Doing well and talking about it

Media releases, information for representatives of the media Media Relations (E) At the 182th University of Bern Dies academicus, the Rector Christian Leumann addressed the opportunities and challenges facing the University. Bernhard Pulver of Bern's Executive Council spoke of being 'immensely proud' of the performance of the University of Bern, and cited education policy as one reason for it success. Improved access to science for marginalised sections of society was called for by student representative Pia Portmann. Seven honorary doctorates were presented, fourteen researchers received academic awards and the philanthropist Celia Zwillenberg was named honorary senator. The Rector, Christian Leumann, explored the advance of technology, which he sees as bringing not just benefits to society but also numerous challenges such as Industry 4.0, digitalisation, gene technology and our unsustainable economic footprint. He argued that in the uncertain environment that has emerged, it is the role of universities to find out the facts and to anticipate the opportunities and risks of this social development: complex problems such as migration and human genetic engineering demand an interdisciplinary approach. As the University of Bern teaches all major subjects and has set up new joint faculty research partnerships, its "broad academic profile" puts it "in an excellent position".