Organization

The Center for Space and Habitability connects research groups located at different institutes and faculties of the University of Bern to trigger curiosity-driven research and cross-fertilisation of ideas. The CSH is also home to the joint ESA-Switzerland mission CHEOPS, and the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, which it co-manages with the University of Geneva.

The Center's management is supported by the Central Services team including administration, communication and outreach. As part of its outreach activities, the CSH manages the Stellarium Gornergrat, a telescope and outreach facility dedicated to educate the public.

Management

Management

Director

Prof. Dr. Brice-Olivier Demory
Interfaculty Professor of Astrophysics and Biomedical Engineering
Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) / ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research

Deputy Director

Dr. Andrea Fortier
CHEOPS Mission Manager
Center for Space and Habitability (CSH)

Central Services

Central Services

Administration

Communication & Outreach

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunities

The Center for Space and Habitability is committed to recognizing and fostering diversity in all aspects. We strive to create an inclusive environment for team members of different professional and cultural backgrounds, and strongly encourage under-represented minorities to apply to our open positions at all levels.

Learn more about equal opportunities at the University of Bern.

Code of Conduct

The CSH strives to be a research Center with a respectful, inclusive workplace culture and a focus on aspects of sustainability, in alignment wiht the values of the University of Bern. The CSH opposes any forms of discrimination, harassment and behaviour against good scientific and social conduct. To ensure the Center can uphold these values, the CSH Equal Opportunities Committee has drafted a Code of Conduct, which was approved and put into effect by the Directorate on January 28, 2026.

This Code of Conduct applies to all employees, affiliates, students, members of the CSH committees and guests.

Learn more about the University of Bern's promotion of respectful and inclusive study and work environments.

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance and Development (QAD)

The Center for Space and Habitablity (CSH) follows the Quality Assurance and Development (QAD) strategy as outlined by the University of Bern. All decisions and strategic actions of the directorate and the steering committee follow the regulations and measures implemented and monitored by the QAD expert committee (QSE-Fachgremium) of the Faculty of Science. More details on the faculty's QAD strategy and guidlines can be found on the QAD website.

The QAD concept of the CSH is based on a periodic feedback structure with yearly strategy discussions and a detailed self evaluation at the end of every four-year funding cycle. Based on the CSH's general strategy, a variety of scientific, educational, and administrative goals are defined jointly by the CSH and the rectorate. These goals are monitored by specific indicators in line with the general QAD guidlines. Based on the yearly strategy discussions and the self evaluation, appropriate corrective actions are taken in agreement with the rectorate, and, if necessary, the center's strategy and goals are adapted accordingly.