Courses and events

Information and discussion events on topics from all diversity categories


The event serves to promote knowledge among the faculty members about the various topics related to the diversity categories. The information and discussion event consists usually of a keynote lecture and a panel discussion with various experts on a topic related to the diversity categories. Topics rotate through the various diversity categories (i.e. age, ethnic origin, social background and status, sexual orientation and gender identity).

 

Future events in this serie

As part of the City of Bern's Action Week Against Racism, we cordially invite you to our next event on Monday, 23 March 2026 (4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) on the topic of "Racism in Higher Education". An introductory lecture on the topic by Lalitha Chamalakayil (FHNW) will be followed by a dialogue between Gina Vega (Office for Equal Opportunities, University of Bern), India James-Licher (representing the student organisation SCAD – Students of Colour of the African Diaspora) and Lalitha Chamalakayil. There will then be the opportunity for questions and discussion with the audience. The event will take place at vonRoll (Hochschulstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Room C102) and will be followed by an Apéro. Registration is voluntary and can be completed at the following link. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Florence Epiney (florence.epiney@unibe.ch).

You can find the flyer with all the information below. We look forward to seeing you there and to an interesting exchange.

Flyer_Racism_in_Higher_Education_FS26 (PDF, 233KB)

Previous events in this serie

  • 07.05.2025: Information and discussion event on the topic of “First Generation in the Academic Landscape“ (i.e. people who are the first in their family to pursue an academic career), among others with Prof. Rolf Becker, Stéphanie Voser, Gaia Fortunato, Prof. Dr. Mirko Schmidt, Msc. Jasmin Aebi, Kobika Baier.
Flyer_FirstGenerationEvent_2025 (PDF, 126KB)

PhD Workshop for mental health

Starting in 2025, PhD workshops will be offered to strengthen the mental health of doctoral students.

Past Events in this series

  • 26 November 2025: „Workshop on promoting mental Health for PhD Students“; in an interactive format, mental health challenges commonly faced during the PhD journey were addressed together and strategies to foster well-being and sustainable work practices in academia were developed. The workshop offered space for reflection, exchange, and hands-on exercises.
PhD_Workshop_Mental_Health_2025 (PDF, 210KB)

Lunchtalk

The Lunchtalks aim to mentor mid-level staff in an informal setting. The talks focus on topics related to academic careers. The invited lecturers usually give a short keynote speech (15-30 minutes). Questions/concerns are then discussed, and the participants exchange ideas on further topics with the lecturer. 

Future Events in this series

Future Events in this serie will be posted here.

Previous events in this serie

  • 6 November 2025, Prof. Regula Everts, professor and head of neuropsychology at Inselspital Bern, discussed topics related to "Two Careers, One Life? Reflections on Managing Science, Family, and Dual Career" and reflected on them with the participants.
  • 21 November 2024, Prof. Leila Tarokh, Professor und research group leader at the University Hospitals of the University of Bern (UPD), discussed questions on the topic ‘Women and Minorities Encouraged to Apply: Practical Steps to Breaking Barriers". 
  • 30 October 2023, Florence von Gunten, founder of Ylah and recipient of the UniBE Venture Fellowship and SNF/Innosuisse BRIDGE Research Fellowship spoke to participants about „YLAH. Where innovation, research and business meet». 
  • 3 March 2023, Prof. Dr. Anita Keller, since 2021 associated professor of organisational psychology at the University of Groningen, discussed the topic „Musings on an academic career abroad?“ with participants. 
  • 25 October 2022, Prof Dr. Martin grosse Holtforth, since 2013 associated professor of clinical psychology and psychotherapy at the institute of psychology at the University of Bern, spoke on the topic of „Dem Herzblut folgen“ and answered questions on the subject.
  • 27 April 2022, Prof. Dr. Nadine Messerli-Bürgy, since 2021 professor of clinical child and adolescent psychology at the University of Lausanne, discussed questions on "Eigene Lebenspläne und akademische Laufbahn: was liegt drin?".
  • 3 November 2021, Prof. Dr. Noora Ronkainen, assistant professor of sports psychology at the institute of sport science at the University of Bern, discussed questions on "Transnational academic careers: Challenges and opportunities".
  • 5 May 2021, Ass. Prof. Dr. Sylvie Graf, discussed with participants questions on the topic "Between Cultures: Intergroup Exchanges Researched and Lived“. Frau Prof. Graf came with a Marie Curie Fellowship to the institute of psychology at the University of Bern and heads her own lab „Brno Lab of Intergroup Processes“ at the institute of Psychology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
  • 3 November 2020, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Inauen, since 2018 associated professor of health psychology at the institute of psychology at the University of Bern, discussed questions on "Viele (Um)Wege führen ans Ziel".
  • 6 November 2019, Prof. Dr. Katharina Maag Merki, professor for theory and empiricsim of school education processes at the institute uf Education, University of Zurich, discussed questions with participants on "Türen öffnen und offene Türen nutzen".
  • 21 May 2019, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Schmidt, since 2018 associated professor of clinical psychology of childhood and adolescence at the  institute of psychology at the University of Bern, discussed questions with participants on "Kombinierbarkeit angewandte Tätigkeit und akademische Laufbahn".
  • 19 November 2018, Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Praetorius discussed questions with participants on the importance of networking for scientific careers. Prof. Praetorius has been professor of educational psychology teaching-learning  and didactics at the University of Zurich.
  • 8 May 2018, Prof. Dr. Natalie Banerji, professor for physical chemistry, discussed questions about the challenges of building a scientific career with participants. Prof. Banerji joined the University of Bern in the 2017 autumn semester and is the first and only woman in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to head a research group.
  • April 2017, Prof. Dr. Franciska Krings. professor of organisational psychology and, until 2016, vice-rector for early career researchers and riversity at the University of Lausanne. She talked about accepting challenges in science and seizing opportunities.
  • 1 November 2016, Prof. Dr. Jutta Mata, health psychologist at the University of Mannheim, talked about "Communication and mobility in academia".
  • 12 May 2016, Prof. Dr. Sabine Sczesny, social psychologist, University of Bern, discussed the topic career planning in science.
  • 4 December 2013, Prof. Dr. Margit Oswald and Prof. Dr. Françoise Alsaker, University of Bern: "The position of women in science, changes in the careers of female scientists over the years and next steps"-
  • 20 February 2013, Susanne Matuschek, Workshop „Research project management for female doctoral students“. 
  • 11 December 2012, Prof. Dr. Claudia Roebers, Universität Bern, "Fundraising". 
Lunchtalk Nov. 2025 (PDF, 160KB)

Courses of the Office for Equal Opportunities