Post by Jan Palmowski

The University of Bern celebrated its 191st Anniversary reflecting on Internationalisation in times of tension In her opening speech, Rector Virginia Richter recalled the opening of a research station on the Jungfraujoch 1931, designed to be a 'wonder of collaboration' across nations. But soon question emerged even in neutral Switzerland about how science 'beyond politics and values' would deal with researchers from fascist Italy for the Communist Soviet Union. And soon, of course, the questions about how to deal with researchers from Nazi Germany would appear. Richter insisted on the absolute primacy of academic freedom, but even there questions always emerged about the role of scientists, institutions, and other scientific bodies in determining guard rails around collaborations. In an equally impressive address, Regierungsrätin Christine Häsler emphasised the importance of societal belonging, which was being challenged on so many fronts. She emphasised the University of Bern's important part of this social fabric, and stressed its role in helping to address so many problems: in the region, but also internationally. And she ended with a thanks to all who made the University what it is, from the leadership and the Professors to research and teaching staff, administrators, the canteens, the janitors. And, finally, the student representatives, Ginia Ainhoa Martinelli and Jill Federer, emphasised the need for more diversity and student engagement. Recognising the important role they played in university affairs already, they asked for more responsibility, for the welfare of the university, and in recognition of the future leaders that they will be. It was a wonderful ceremony with hugely impressive recipients of honorary doctorates and other prizes. And I want to mention in particular the astonishing university orchestra, whose quality is astonishing: the music it played was simply sublime, thank you 🙏 In an article attached, I have summarised my own speech to the Dies Academicus on the theme of internationalisation. Susan Emmenegger Judith Wyttenbach Dirk Niepelt Claudio Lino Alberto Bassetti Daniel M. Aebersold Christof Dejung Siegfried Nagel Ulrich Orth Jean-Louis Reymond Hugues Abriel Heike Mayer Andrew Chan Markus Brönnimann Henriette Graf Prof. Dr. Christina Voigt Verdiana Trappetti Gabi Sonderegger Céline Zeller Etienne Bonvin Thomas Breu