Mission Statement of the University of Bern
Self-Image and Values
The University of Bern sees itself as a comprehensive university in the tradition of European universities. Its faculties comprise those of theology, humanities, human science, law, social science, economics and business, medicine, veterinary medicine and natural science. Guided by scientific interests and social needs, the University of Bern establishes disciplinary and interdisciplinary foci and so develops its own profile. It uses the autonomy it has been granted and its creative freedom to achieve this. The University of Bern is committed to freedom in teaching and research. It recognises its ethical responsibility and respects the principles of sustainable development in its academic, administrative and operational areas. The University of Bern fulfils its mission to a high standard. It is committed to self-regulation and monitors its services and functions regularly. It creates the conditions needed to respond in a flexible and differentiated manner to the demands made of it. The University of Bern promotes the participation of students and of employees at all levels. It involves those belonging to it in self-government and integrates them in decision-making processes.
People
The university contributes to the education and research system through both national and international cooperative frameworks. It thus asserts its position in the competition of educational institutions. The University of Bern complements the contribution of the public sector through the acquisition of additional means without compromising its independence. It makes responsible, economical, and appropriate use of the resources made available to it. The management of the University of Bern provides a smooth and efficient operation and maintains lean administrative processes. People The University of Bern is an attractive place to study and work for students, researchers and teaching staff from Switzerland and abroad. It creates the best possible teaching, learning and research environment for personal fulfilment and the development of high levels of specialist expertise in all those belonging to it. The University of Bern offers its members agreeable employment and working conditions. It sets high standards for itself and for those belonging to it. These treat each other with respect and collegiality and are committed to the goals of the University and to its reputation.
Research and Teaching
The University of Bern is committed to the equality of men and women and prohibits discrimination. It promotes the compatibility of work and family and the position of women in academia. The University of Bern provides regulated and professional support and focused encouragement for young academics. It enables them to work independently in academia and to remain successfully in the world of work. It opens up career opportunities within and outside the University of Bern. The University of Bern seeks to remain connected to those belonging to it and maintains contact with its alumni. Research and Teaching The University of Bern conducts research to promote knowledge and for the sake of understanding. The key element is a well-considered, ethically sound responsibility to people and to both animate and inanimate nature. To this end, the University of Bern conducts research in the service of the individual and society. It primarily seeks fundamental insights but also addresses application-oriented questions. It both promotes innovation and strives to produce economic value from its findings. The University of Bern makes the insights and knowledge gained accessible to the academic community and to all interested parties.
The University of Bern attains achievements of world renown in certain areas of research. One means of achieving this is through centres of excellence, which bring together disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills. It conducts its research in collaboration with partner institutions in Switzerland and abroad. The University of Bern provides students with high-quality academic instruction. It delivers knowledge of the international state of the art, familiarises them with scientific methods, and encourages them in academic thinking and independent research. The teaching derives its impulse substantially from the research of the faculty. Cross-disciplinary courses take account of the increase in scientific networking. The University of Bern understands mobility to be an important element of academic education and promotes exchanges at all levels.
Public and Environment
The University of Bern is rooted in society and assumes the responsibility arising from this. It contributes to the attractiveness and well-being of the Canton of Bern, the region around the capital, and the other surrounding regions. It works reliably and efficiently with local and national authorities. The University of Bern contributes to public life as a place of education, research, and culture and fosters exchange with political authorities and institutions of public life. It collaborates with other educational and research institutions. The University of Bern stimulates interest in and understanding of its role and achievements. It informs the public about its activities transparently and comprehensibly. The University of Bern is responding to new needs in the workplace and society with a broad range of sophisticated further and higher education courses. The University of Bern is a reliable and open partner of business. It promotes knowledge and innovation transfer. It offers independent expertise and services in selected areas.
