Research Clusters of the CSH

While the research at CSH is frequently related to the traditional strengths of the Bernese space research community – experimental planetary science, space instrumentation, planet formation theory and exoplanetary atmospheres – specific topics and projects are brought in and supported by researchers as they join the Center and our focus adapts which each new member. The heart of our research, and the mission CSH follows, is to foster interdisciplinary research across Earth, Planetary Sciences, and beyond. To achieve this, the CSH connects research groups located at different institutes and faculties of the University of Bern and has strong ties to external institutions both nationally and internationally.

Our research interests are divided into four primary questions, which are presented below, and each project of our researchers is associated with one of our questions. For an overview of all CSH projects regardless of question, see the Research Projects page.

This page is currently under construction. More information on our research will be available soon.

Exoplanet Characteristics

Where are the closest exoplanets and what are their interiors and atmospheres made of? How do we detect exoplanets and characterize them? What type of planetary bodies exist around what type of star? What is the chemical makeup of exoplanet atmospheres? How do we study their interiors? What tools are used to analyze and model these planetary bodies?

Learn more about our research on exoplanets

Habitable Worlds

What makes worlds habitable and what are the requirements for the emergence of life? How do we define habitability? What does the study of other Solar System planets tells us about potential life? How does the study of Earth help us research habitability on other planets? What do atmospheres, ice and volcanic activity on other planets mean for the emergence of life? What does a planet's geomorphology tell us about its habitability?

Learn more about our research on habitability

Life Beyond Earth

How do we confidently detect life beyond Earth? What tools are at our disposal to find life in the universe? How can spectropolarimetry be used to detect life? What biosignatures exist on Earth and beyond? How does the study of life on Earth help us detect living organisms on other planetary bodies? What technology is needed to detect life?

Learn more about our research on life beyond Earth

Interdisciplinary Impact

How does our research impact other disciplines and benefit society? How can space technology benefit the medical field? What can we learn from science fiction and literature about science? How do we engage young people and the public to take interest in space science? In which way is the study of Earth beneficial to the study of other planets? What can philosophy tell us about space exploration?

Learn more about our interdisciplinary research