Research Management (FOMA)

FOMA – Empowering research excellence in Human Sciences

FOMA is the central point of contact for researchers at the three institutes of the Faculty of Human Sciences – Educational Science, Psychology, and Sport Science. We provide comprehensive support in all research-related matters, from grant applications and research data management to ethics consultation and science communication, as well as career development.

To offer you hands-on guidance and tailored resources, we work closely with various university support units. This close collaboration ensures that we stay up to date with the latest developments and can provide you with targeted assistance.

Our services are structured into the following six key areas:

Research & Career Support

Whether you need assistance in identifying funding opportunities, optimizing your grant applications, or making strategic career decisions – we provide expert advice and practical solutions. In close collaboration with the Grants Office and the Academic Careers Office of the University of Bern, we support you in all phases of your research and career development.

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Identifying suitable funding opportunities

Writing compelling grant applications

  • Have your grant proposals reviewed by us and benefit from constructive feedback to enhance the quality and persuasiveness of your application.

  • We provide tailored reviews aligned with the requirements of specific funding programs.

  • Additionally, we offer guidelines on writing strong proposals, including practical strategies, examples, and tips.

  • We provide access to state-of-the-art AI tools designed to help you refine and optimize your applications.

Utilizing AI Tools in Research
  • Training & Individual Consulting: We offer workshops and one-on-one consultations to help you effectively and efficiently integrate AI tools into your research.
  • Support in Prompt Engineering: Learn how to craft precise and effective inputs for AI models to optimize scientific writing and automate research processes.

Budgeting & financial strategy

  • Benefit from our expertise in financial planning and budget calculation for your research projects.

Career development & planning

  • Individual career counseling: We support you in making strategic decisions regarding your academic career.

  • Networking & professional exchange: We help you build connections within and beyond the university.

  • Funding strategies for your career path: We provide tailored advice on funding opportunities for your next career step.

Leverage our expertise in research, career development, and AI – contact us for tailored support!

Ethical Compliance

We support you in ensuring ethical standards in your research – with personalized guidance and practical assistance at every stage of your project. In addition, FOMA serves as the Scientific Secretariat (Executive Office) of the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Human Sciences.

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Support with ethics committee procedures

  • We create an account for you to access the Ethics Portal of the Faculty of Human Sciences. Please request this via ethik.humdek@unibe.ch (processing time approx. 3 days).

  • We guide you through the ethics review process at our faculty, including the use of the Ethics Portal.

  • We inform you about the responsibilities of different ethics committees – e.g. the Faculty Ethics Commission, the Cantonal Ethics Committee (KEK), as well as national and international review boards. Please note: a binding clarification of responsibility can only be issued by the KEK.

  • We advise you on compliance with ethical standards in complex projects – such as multicenter studies, international collaborations, or research involving vulnerable groups.

Ethics monitoring
  • We oversee your clinical studies during implementation and assist you in ensuring compliance with ethical standards in accordance with the KEK regulations and the Swiss Federal Human Research Act.

Get in touch – we’re here to help you conduct your research in an ethically responsible manner.

Research Data Management

FOMA supports you in managing your research data securely and efficiently. In coordination with the Data Stewards of the Open Science Team at the University Library of Bern (UB), we provide researchers with the best possible support in implementing Open Science practices and research data management.

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Guidelines & Processes for Research Data

  • We assist you in developing and implementing clear policies for managing research data.

Data Security & Protection of Personal Data

  • We advise you on complying with applicable data protection regulations and securely storing sensitive research data.

Open Science & Long-Term Archiving

  • We support you in implementing Open Science principles and ensuring the long-term archiving of your research data.

Benefit from our expertise! Ensure the quality, integrity, and long-term availability of your research data – we are here to assist you.

Research Communication

FOMA plays a central role in science communication at the Faculty of Human Sciences. We support researchers in effectively communicating their research findings while also managing selected areas of the faculty’s public outreach. In close coordination with the University of Bern’s Communication & Marketing Office (CMO), we ensure impactful and targeted research communication.

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Communication Strategies for Research Findings

  • We advise you on how to effectively prepare and present your scientific findings for different target audiences.

Support with Media Inquiries & Print Publications

  • We assist you with media inquiries from journalists or academic magazines and support you in publishing your research in print media.

News & Events

  • We curate and update research-related news and events for the faculty’s communication channels.

Podcasts & Social Media

Whether you want to make your research more visible or share relevant news – we support you in communicating your content effectively.

Strategic Development

FOMA supports the Faculty of Human Sciences in the strategic development of its research priorities. At the same time, we offer researchers targeted opportunities for networking and presenting their research.

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Identifying & Developing Strategic Research Fields

  • We analyze and promote key research areas within the faculty in alignment with the Faculty Strategy 2030.

Research Day – Showcasing Your Research

  • Present your research findings, exchange ideas with colleagues, and receive valuable feedback. FOMA organizes the Faculty Research Day as a platform for networking, exchange, and visibility.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Synergies

  • We help you establish connections with researchers from other disciplines within the faculty and create synergies for joint research initiatives.

We create structures that enable you to shape key research topics, leverage synergies, and drive interdisciplinary collaborations – all in alignment with the Faculty Strategy 2030.

Research Transfer

FOMA helps you turn research findings into real-world applications by providing targeted support for innovation, funding, and knowledge transfer

 

Your Concern

Our Support

Collaboration with the Innovation Office

  • In close cooperation with the Innovation Office at the University of Bern, we help you translate your research into practical applications and connect you with relevant partners.

Support for Innosuisse Funding Applications

  • We provide guidance on applying for funding from Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency.

Advisory Services for Apps & Spin-Offs

  • We support you in developing and marketing research-based applications and advise you on the process of establishing spin-offs.

We connect you with the right partners and resources to turn your research into innovative solutions.

Team

Research Management Team

Ever wondered what two AI's think about FOMA?

Listen to this unique conversation where two artificial minds dive into how FOMA empowers researchers at the Faculty of Human Sciences. From funding support to research ethics and data management, this playful yet informative dialogue (in English with a US-American style) offers a clear understanding of what FOMA provides while highlighting AI’s future in academic collaboration.

FOMA AI Podcast (MP3, 4.6 MB)