News and Announcements
The latest news from CSH about our center, our researchers, and our achievements.
2026/05/13
© Adobe Stock
New Funding Scheme: CSH Synergy Grants
The Center for Space and Habitability is introducing a new funding opportunity: the CSH Synergy Grants, designed to foster interdisciplinarity and collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines. The first call ends July 31, 2026 at 5pm.
2026/05/12
© NCCR PlanetS
The NCCR PlanetS closes after 12 remarkable years
On Friday, 22 May 2026, scientists from the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS will meet at the Kursaal in Bern to celebrate the achievements and successes of the Swiss planetary science community over the last 12 years. The NCCR PlanetS, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and involving the University of Bern, the University of Geneva, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, has enabled many exceptional collaborations and research projects since its creation in 2014. The NCCR will close at the end of May as the new Swiss Institute for Planetary Sciences (SIPS) is initiated.
2026/04/16
© NASA/JHUAPL/Carnegie Inst. Washington
Valentin Bickel appointed Guest Investigator for BepiColombo
With the upcoming arrival of BepiColombo at Mercury later this year, ESA selected guest investigators to boost the mission’s scientific output. Dr. Valentin Bickel, research fellow at the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH), University of Bern, will continue his study of Mercury’s dynamic surface through this appointment.
2026/03/13
© University of Bern
"Physik am Freitag": From the Oceans to the Beginnings of the Universe
In the University of Bern’s “Physik am Freitag” lecture series, researchers present current topics from the world of physics. Topics for this year’s lectures include the physical principles behind ocean currents, how asteroids provide insights into the formation of our solar system, and how X-ray phase contrast can help us better understand diseases. The first lecture will take place on March 20, 2026.
2026/01/30
University of Bern involved in two new National Centers of Competence in Research (NCCR)
The Swiss federal government has approved funding for a total of six new National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCRs). Thanks to the pioneering climate research at the University of Bern, it is taking over the direction of a new National Centre of Competence in Research, 'CLIM+', together with ETH Zurich. Researchers from the University of Bern, including the CSH, are also involved in the NCCR Genesis, led by ETH Zurich and the University of Lausanne, which will investigate the origin of life and the possibility of life in the universe.
2026/01/28
CSH Code of Conduct
The Center for Space and Habitability strives to be a research Center with a respectful, inclusive workplace culture and a focus on aspects of sustainability, in alignment with the values of the University of Bern. The CSH opposes any forms of discrimination, harassment and behaviour against good scientific and social conduct. To achieve this, the CSH Equal Opportunities Committee has drafted a Code of Conduct for the Center, which was approved and put into effect by the Directorate on January 28, 2026.
2025/12/18
© AIUB
MARVIS Grant for Zimmerwald Observatory
Air turbulence impairs observations of the universe from Earth. The Swiss Confederation has granted CHF 3 million to the Zimmerwald Observatory to support the development of an optical system that will correct the disruptive effects in real time. WP's Jonas Kühn is co-applicant for the project.
2025/08/26
PhD Thesis Defense Anna Walde
On August 26, 2025, Anna Walde successfully defended her PhD thesis "From Grid Models to Machine Learning: Advancing Atmospheric Characterisation of Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets." Congratulations Anna!
