When the second man, "Buzz" Aldrin, stepped out of the lunar module on July 21, 1969, the first task he did was to set up the Bernese Solar Wind Composition experiment (SWC) also known as the “solar wind sail” by planting it in the ground of the moon, even before the American flag. This experiment, which was planned, built and the results analysed by Prof. Dr. Johannes Geiss and his team from the Physics Institute of the University of Bern, was the first great highlight in the history of Bernese space exploration. Ever since Bernese space exploration has been among the world’s elite, and the University of Bern has been participating in space missions of the major space organizations, such as ESA, NASA, and JAXA. With CHEOPS, the University of Bern shares responsibility with ESA for a whole mission.
Our goal is to offer a new, specialised master program in space sciences and astronomy that reflects the Bernese heritage in space exploration and empower students with skills and knowledge to join this adventure. The proposed program aims at providing an in-depth scientific education in space research, planetary sciences, habitability and astronomy in an interdisciplinary fashion. This specialised MSc, supported both by researchers and engineers will prepare students both for academic and non-academic career through a portfolio of courses involving transferable skills (statistical methods, lectures on presentation skills, project management…). The program builds on the joint expertise of several research institutes and centres in Bern who have worldwide recognition.
More information on the program, requirements and how to apply will follow soon.
