The University of Bern strengthens its international presence

The University of Bern excels with its world-class research in several areas: this year, it celebrated the participation in the first moon landing and will soon start an ESA mission into space; the UN's world sustainability report was drafted under Bernese co-leadership, and its medical research is garnering international recognition at award ceremonies. In addition, the University of Bern has also increased its student numbers. One of the highlights of the year was the science festival "Bern im All" [Bern in Space], where the University of Bern celebrated the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. NASA's Apollo 11 mission also saw a piece of Bern land on the moon - the solar wind sail of the University of Bern, which Buzz Aldrin stuck into the ground of the moon, even before the American flag. The science festival for the general public, which took place on the Bundesplatz, among other places, was very well received - and the large space agencies NASA and ESA joined in the celebrations. Bernese space exploration has been world class ever since the moon landing, and the next big mission is about to take off: At the end of 2019, the Bernese space telescope CHEOPS will begin its mission to measure planets outside of our solar system, where it can contribute to the discovery of a planet similar to earth where life may be possible. Important awards for Bern research.