Vetsuisse Faculty

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2026-04

Vetsuisse Faculty

Vetsuisse Bern Ranks 20th in the Shanghai Ranking

The Bern campus of the Vetsuisse Faculty ranks 20th among all veterinary faculties worldwide in the most recently published Shanghai Report. This research-focused ranking thus confirms the faculty’s scientific achievements.

To the Ranking

World Mental Health Month 2026

Information Booth «Sleep Health»

A good night's sleep isn't something we can take for granted—and yet there are things we can do to create better conditions for it. An information booth hosted by the Department of Equal Opportunity as part of World Mental Health Month 2026.

Details and Other Events

Vetsuisse Faculty

EAEVE: Vetsuisse Accredited Without Reservation

At its meeting on September 28, the European Committee of Veterinary Education (ECOVE) once again granted unconditional accreditation to the Vetsuisse Faculty, with its campuses in Bern and Zurich, through the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). The accreditation had been suspended in the fall of 2024 after the EAEVE identified deficiencies. These deficiencies pertained in particular to training in food hygiene and biosafety at both campuses. These deficiencies have been fully resolved—veterinary education in Switzerland now meets all European standards.

Read the final report

2026-03

Studies

Outstanding Teaching

The University of Bern has honored Simone de Brot, a research associate at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology, for her outstanding achievements in teaching. Her course “Basic Algal Physiology I—General Pathology” received top marks in the final evaluation in the categories of “learning progress” and “satisfaction.”

more (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

“I don't know when I last bought a piece of meat at the store.”

The Vetsuisse Faculty in Zurich has its own slaughterhouse, where it slaughters more than just animals from farms. The butchers primarily handle emergency and sick animal slaughter, particularly from the Zurich Livestock Clinic. A conversation about emergency slaughter, animal welfare, and the value of meat.

Read article (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

Three fighter jets a year

The University of Bern is funded by the canton, the federal government, companies, clinic patients, students, the EU, and foundations. One might think these are diverse sources of funding, but more than three-quarters of the funding comes from the government.

Read article (only in German)

Research

Genetics of skeletal disorders

Exploring skeletal disorders in cattle and sheep: a WGS‑based framework for diagnosis and classification

Read article

Research

Antibodies against distemper

By combining two small antibodies (nanobodies), we developed a new approach to combat the distemper virus that was able to protect ferrets from a fatal course of the disease even after they had already been infected.

Read article (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

Strong Together Since 2006

20 Years of the Vetsuisse Faculty: What began in 2006 as a higher education initiative unique in Switzerland has evolved into a joint veterinary medicine faculty with two strong campuses. Research and teaching, animal health and animal welfare, and the One Health approach serve as the unifying elements.

Read article (only in German)

Research

Science & BBQ Day 2026

At this year's Science and Barbecue Day, we once again got a glimpse of the excellent research being conducted at our faculty. This provided an opportunity for cross-campus networking, because together we are even better.

Read article (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

VetsuisseNews

In the latest issue of VetsuisseNews, read a look back at 20 years of the joint faculty, an overview of university funding, a recap of Science & Barbecue Day, an exclusive glimpse into the life of Monsieur, and much more.

Read now (only in German)

Research

Young Scientist Paper Awards Presented to Melanie Scherer and Joana Jacinto

On September 3, Vetsuisse Dean Gertraud Schüpbach presented the Young Scientist Paper Awards to Melanie Scherer and Joana Jacinto at the Science & BBQ Day. Both award recipients impressed the Vetsuisse Commission for Research and the Promotion of Young Researchers with the quality of their work.

Continuing Education

9 new doctorates

At its meeting on September 14, the faculty council approved nine dissertations, awarding eight female veterinarians and one male veterinarian their doctoral degrees. The candidates fulfilled all criteria and are now entitled to use the title “Dr. med. vet.”

to the list of graduates

Research

New Book on Canine Infectious Diseases

Diagnosis and management of infectious diseases in dogs require a solid understanding of the interactions between the host and the pathogen, epidemiology and pathogenesis, combined with sound clinical judgment and a structured diagnostic approach. The book, co-edited by Simone Schuller, medical director of the Bern Small Animal Clinic, bridges the gap between scientific findings and daily practice.

coming soon to bookstores

MCID

The SPREAD 15 | 26

In Issue 15 of “The SPREAD,” read about how pathogens are monitored in blood transfusions provided by the Swiss Red Cross, the tracking of leishmaniasis infections in Guinea and Switzerland, research on Chagas disease, and an interview with Dr. Ioannnis Magouras and his team.

Read this issue

Research

Prix Jean-Pierre Miéville 2026

The “Vetsuisse Faculty Jean-Pierre Miéville Prize” is awarded annually to recognize an outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine for the welfare of animals. It is intended for students and doctoral candidates at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the Universities of Bern and Zurich and may be awarded for a scientific publication, a dissertation, a master’s thesis, or a research portfolio completed between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.

Apply by September 18

Research

SNSF Funding for an Interdisciplinary Project on Photodynamic Skin Cancer Therapy

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is funding an interdisciplinary research project aimed at developing new approaches to photodynamic therapy for skin cancer while reducing animal testing in accordance with the 3R principle.

Infrastructure

Renovation of the eating area in the anatomy building

Starting August 17, the eating area in the building at Länggassstrasse 120 will undergo a makeover: new, high-performance microwaves, updated lighting, acoustic improvements, a fresh coat of paint, and new flooring. This renovation work will continue until the start of the semester, and new furniture will be installed by Christmas.

Thank you for your understanding

Research

Jil Jessy Kellershohn Receives an Award

Jil Jessy Kellershohn from the Department of Clinical Anesthesiology has been awarded the 2025 Early Career Scientist Award from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior for her research on the effects of lip twitching in horses.

read the article

5 September 2026

10:00 − 14:00

Kornhausplatz Bern

Research

Laboratory Animal Awareness Day

On Laboratory Animal Awareness Day, researchers from the University of Bern will set up a booth in the city of Bern to present their work on animal testing and alternative methods, and offer first-hand information to anyone interested.

Studies

Career Paths in Veterinary Medicine

In videos produced by the Gesellschaft Schweizer Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte (GST), fourteen veterinarians offer a glimpse into their career paths and their day-to-day work—
whether in a dairy barn, a small-animal practice, or a laboratory.

view the GST videos (in German)

Research

Climate change is altering the living conditions of wild fish and crayfish

Heike Schmidt-Posthaus heads the Fish Department at the Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health at the University of Bern. In this video from the UniBE Foundation, she provides insight into her research and explains why the health of our waters is important to all of us and what challenges her research entails.

UniBEFoundation | 22.07.2026

Research

Award-Winning PhD Thesis by Lea Lingg

Lea Lingg, a former Ph.D. student at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology and the Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster (DBMR), was honored at the GCB Symposium with the “Best Ph.D. Thesis 2025 Award” from the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences.

2026-02

Studies

New Mandatory Agricultural Internship for Prospective Veterinarians

Starting this fall, anyone who wants to study veterinary medicine in Switzerland must complete a three-week agricultural internship. The two veterinary schools in Bern and Zurich hope this will give future veterinarians early exposure to farm animals.

Continuing Education

EU supports VET-PASS

The initiative of the European Board of Veterinary Specialization (EBVS), led by Heiko Nathues, aims to harmonize postgraduate veterinary education and establish a European database of existing specialization pathways. The initiative is now officially recognized as an action of the EU-funded research network “COST.” The network is open: Anyone interested—especially early-career researchers—can apply to join the Management Committee and the Working Groups, thereby actively contributing to the outcomes.

COST-Action 25113

MCID

The SPREAD 14 | 26

The latest issue of the MCID newsletter features an article by filmmaker Christian Frei, director of "BLAME", the latest research findings on student well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a newly funded project investigating the biology of emerging morbilliviruses.

Jetzt lesen (in English)

Vetsuisse Faculty

VetsuisseNews

The latest issue of VetsuisseNews features the most recent updates on European accreditation, a study on the use of antidepressants among students, a profile of the Bern Student Council, the rats Timmi, Josefine, and Brunhilde, and much more.

Read now! (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

Back on Track

The Vetsuisse Faculty is set to regain its status as a fully accredited member of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). This was indicated by the two evaluators following their re-evaluation visit.

Read article (only in German)

Vetsuisse Faculty

An investment in the future

Following the suspension of the Vetsuisse Faculty’s European accreditation at the end of 2024, the faculty is now preparing for a re-evaluation by the EAEVE after a year and a half of intensive work. The deans of both campuses are looking forward to the visit with confidence. The process has strengthened the faculty.

Read article (only in German)

Studies

Antidepressant Use Among Veterinary Students in Switzerland

A group of veterinary students from the Vetsuisse Faculty in Zurich examined the topic of “Antidepressant Use Among Veterinary Students in Switzerland” as part of the “Epidemiology and Biostatistics” module.
The challenges in the area of mental health do not affect only us; they are also being observed and described in similar ways internationally.

Read article (only in German)

Studies

Vetmed Bern Student Council

Who are the people who bring us delicious drinks and treats? Who run all over campus on orientation day to help all the new students? Who negotiate sponsorship deals and are back in the lecture hall the very next day?

Read article (only in German)

Studies

IVSA: Connecting veterinary students worldwide

At the University of Bern, we have the opportunity to get to know veterinary schools from around the world. This exchange is organized by students from the International Veterinary Students Association (ISVA). This global organization connects 30,000 veterinary students and promotes professional and cultural exchange.

Read article (only in German)

Continuing Education

Track for Educators

With the Vetsuisse Council’s adoption of the revised regulations, the Educator Track—the qualification pathway for individuals focused on teaching and service—has come closer to the traditional, research-oriented habilitation process.

Read article (only in German)

Continuing Education

A growing network of One Health professionals in Switzerland

One Health, the integrated approach to health that considers the interconnections between ecosystems, animals, and humans, is gaining increasing prominence in Switzerland—supported by a growing community and a range of initiatives at various levels. The Vetsuisse Faculty in Bern is helping to strengthen these efforts through its CAS One Health program.

Read the article (available in German only)

Vetsuisse Faculty

DKV annual report 2025

7,474 animals treated, 165 publications, and 76 degrees: The Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine achieved great things in 2025. “A challenging year has shown that dedication, solidarity, and team spirit are the foundation of our shared success—today and in the future,” writes Director Franck Forterre in the recently published annual report.

Continuing Education

9 new doctorates

At its meeting on May 11, the faculty council approved nine dissertations, awarding seven female veterinarians and two male veterinarians their doctoral degrees. The candidates fulfilled all criteria and are now entitled to use the title “Dr. med. vet.”

to the list of graduates

Research

Awards for the next generation at the Swine Clinic

Francesca Grech, doctoral student and research assistant at the Swine Clinic, was awarded first place for her presentation at the “News from Science” event during the "Schweizerische Tierärztetage" in Bern. Lisa Gmür was equally successful, taking third place for her master’s thesis.

Research

First Prize for Pia Cigler

At the Swiss Veterinary Congress, the Swiss Association for Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics (SVVLD) awarded Pia Cigler, a PhD candidate at FIWI, first prize for the best doctoral student presentation.

Research

Award for Paula Billmann

Paula Billmann, a doctoral student at ISME, was awarded the prize for best presentation at the Veterinary Conference for her talk.

Biosafety

Biosafety zones at the Vetsuisse Faculty

At the Bern Tierspital, we treat animals with potentially contagious diseases. To prevent infections in humans or transmission to other animals, we have reorganized the campus into biosecurity zones. Unauthorized persons are prohibited from entering these zones, which are marked with colored paint. Thank you for your understanding.

Vetsuisse Faculty

VPHI: One Year After the Restructuring

The Veterinary Public Health Institute (VPHI) once again attracted substantial amounts of external funding for its research initiatives and actively supported the careers of early-career researchers. The research findings were widely published and frequently cited. In the recently published biennial report, the institute’s leadership looks back on the activities and changes at the institute and looks ahead: “The next generation of researchers is enthusiastic to contribute to the welfare of humans and animals through innovative research.”

To the VPHI Annual Report

Vetsuisse Faculty

IPA: Steady and successful growth across all core areas

Internationally competitive research with substantial external funding, major scientific publications, a network of collaborative partners, effective teaching, and consistently high quality and reliability in diagnostic services underscore the Institute of Parasitology’s performance and visibility.

IPA Annual Report (available in German only)

Personnel

Luís Pedro Gomes do Carmo is the president of SVEPM

Luís Pedro Gomes do Carmo, Senior Research Fellow at the Veterinary Public Health Institute, has assumed the presidency of the Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (SVEPM).

Research

Sven Rottenberg elected to the Academia Europaea

Sven Rottenberg, Director of the Institute of Veterinary Pathology and Group Leader of the Cancer Therapy Resistance Cluster, has been elected a member of the Academia Europaea “due to outstanding achievements as a researcher.” This prestigious scientific society promotes European research and advises governments and international organizations on scientific matters.

Studies

op Academic Performance in Animal Nutrition

Gian-Andrea Ehrler has been honored by the H. Wilhelm Schaumann Foundation for the best academic achievement in the field of animal nutrition. His master’s thesis, titled “Functions of Oxytocin During Estrus, Pregnancy, Lactation, and the Peripartum Period in Farm Animals,” was supervised by Josef Gross of the Department of Veterinary Physiology.

Studies

58 Master's degree graduates

On April 24, 2026, the Vetsuisse Faculty in Bern celebrated its 58 most recent master’s graduates. After five and a half years, the veterinary students completed their studies with the degree “Master of Veterinary Medicine”.

Studies

2025 Alumni Master’s Award goes to Brühlhart, Gmür, and Küng

The 2025 Alumni Award for the best veterinary medicine master’s thesis goes to Livia Brühlhart, Lisa Gmür, and Betting Küng. The award was presented by Peter Stucki during the graduation ceremony in Bern on April 24.

Research

The IVI in the Fight Against Epizootic Diseases

In the video, Claudia Bachofen explains the key role played by the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) in the diagnosis and research of highly contagious animal diseases.

QS World University Ranking

Vetsuisse remains a leader

According to the ranking published on Wednesday, the Vetsuisse Faculty, with its two campuses in Bern and Zurich, is ranked twelfth in the world. While the faculty’s reputation as an employer improved based on data collected in the spring of 2025, both its academic reputation and other research metrics have declined slightly compared to 2025.

Research

Rearing conditions influence the immune system of brown trout

For the first time, researchers at the University of Bern have studied the immune system of brown trout cell by cell and compiled an overview of the gene activity in each cell. The study shows the diversity of the immune system of this ecologically important fish species, which is protected in Switzerland, and demonstrates that rearing conditions can leave measurable traces in the immune cells.

Media Release

Continuing Education

11 new doctorates

At its meeting on March 09, the faculty council approved eleven dissertations, awarding nine female veterinarians and two male veterinarians their doctoral degrees. The candidates fulfilled all criteria and are now entitled to use the title “Dr. med. vet.”

to the list of graduates

MCID

The SPREAD 13 | 26

In the anniversary edition marking the fifth anniversary of the MCID, the focus is, for once, not on research. The newsletter is dedicated to the other important activities and achievements of the center, which is committed to researching and reducing the health, social, ethical, and economic risks posed by infectious diseases.

Read now

Brain Week 2026

The human brain in digital transformation

Exciting lectures and stimulating discussions will shed light on the latest advances in brain research from different perspectives. There will be a special focus on the influence of the digital world on the brain and the role of artificial intelligence in brain research.

March 16 – 19

Research

Domestic cats may hold the key to understanding breast cancer

An international research team with participation from Bern has conducted the world's first comprehensive genetic study of cancer in domestic cats. The study shows that some of the genetic changes in cat tumors closely resemble those found in human cancers. These parallels open up new perspectives for developing targeted cancer therapies, particularly for breast cancer.

press release

Research

Toxin-receptor interaction decoded

Researchers at the Institute of Animal Pathology, the Institute of Anatomy, and EPFL were able to identify the cellular receptor of the NetF toxin and visualize its binding at the molecular level.NetF is a pore-forming-toxin secreted by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens and thought to play a role in enteritis in dogs and horses. The results, published in Nature Communications, represent an important step toward new therapeutics for bacterial infections.

Research

For faster differentiation between BVDV and BDV antibodies

Katja Moser talks about her journey in developing a diagnostic test for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) in the blog of the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI).

Read now!

Research

COLOSS Poster Prize for Michael Muturi

PhD student Michael Muturi was awarded the Student Poster Prize at the COLOSS Conference in Copenhagen for his poster “Small hive beetles (cf.) can infest natural stingless bee nests in Africa.”

Studies

Online-self-assessment veterinary medicine

The new OSA for veterinary medicine provides general information about the degree program and an initial insight into the fields of work open to veterinarians. It enables prospective students to compare their expectations with reality.

Do it now!

University of Bern

Orientation & Welcome for New International Master’s and PhD students

UniBE International cordially invites all regular international master's and PhD students to an Orientation & Welcome Event on Monday, 9 Feburary 2026. Students will be provided with general information about studying at the University of Bern and life in Bern and Switzerland. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to go on a guided city walk through Bern's old town.

Vetsuisse Faculty

Department of Clinical ‌Veterinary Science

Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP)

Department of Clinical Research and ‌Veterinary Public Health (DCR-VPH)

Faculty-wide structures

Strategic centers

Core Facilities

News

2026-04

Vetsuisse Bern Ranks 20th in the Shanghai Ranking

Information Booth «Sleep Health»

EAEVE: Vetsuisse Accredited Without Reservation

2026-03

Outstanding Teaching

“I don't know when I last bought a piece of meat at the store.”

Three fighter jets a year

Genetics of skeletal disorders

Antibodies against distemper

Strong Together Since 2006

Science & BBQ Day 2026

VetsuisseNews

Young Scientist Paper Awards Presented to Melanie Scherer and Joana Jacinto

9 new doctorates

New Book on Canine Infectious Diseases

The SPREAD 15 | 26

Prix Jean-Pierre Miéville 2026

SNSF Funding for an Interdisciplinary Project on Photodynamic Skin Cancer Therapy

Renovation of the eating area in the anatomy building

Jil Jessy Kellershohn Receives an Award

Laboratory Animal Awareness Day

Career Paths in Veterinary Medicine

Climate change is altering the living conditions of wild fish and crayfish

Award-Winning PhD Thesis by Lea Lingg

2026-02

New Mandatory Agricultural Internship for Prospective Veterinarians

EU supports VET-PASS

The SPREAD 14 | 26

VetsuisseNews

Back on Track

An investment in the future

Antidepressant Use Among Veterinary Students in Switzerland

Vetmed Bern Student Council

IVSA: Connecting veterinary students worldwide

Track for Educators

A growing network of One Health professionals in Switzerland

DKV annual report 2025

9 new doctorates

Awards for the next generation at the Swine Clinic

First Prize for Pia Cigler

Award for Paula Billmann

Biosafety zones at the Vetsuisse Faculty

VPHI: One Year After the Restructuring

IPA: Steady and successful growth across all core areas

Luís Pedro Gomes do Carmo is the president of SVEPM

2026-01

Sven Rottenberg elected to the Academia Europaea

op Academic Performance in Animal Nutrition

58 Master's degree graduates

2025 Alumni Master’s Award goes to Brühlhart, Gmür, and Küng

The IVI in the Fight Against Epizootic Diseases

Vetsuisse remains a leader

Rearing conditions influence the immune system of brown trout

11 new doctorates

The SPREAD 13 | 26

The human brain in digital transformation

Domestic cats may hold the key to understanding breast cancer

Toxin-receptor interaction decoded

For faster differentiation between BVDV and BDV antibodies

COLOSS Poster Prize for Michael Muturi

Online-self-assessment veterinary medicine

Orientation & Welcome for New International Master’s and PhD students