The ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ awards prizes for outstanding scientific achievements by its researchers, in some cases in partnership with foundations.
This page presents the research prizes that are awarded at the Dies academicus, the founding ceremony of the ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥.
If you are interested in setting up an award or have questions about donations or bequests, please contact the UniBE Foundation.
Theodor Kocher Prize
Every year, the ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ awards the Theodor Kocher Prize, endowed with CHF 50,000, for outstanding and innovative scientific achievements by one of its early-career researchers.
Next application deadline: 31 March 2027 (open November 2026)
Hans Sigrist Prize
The Hans Sigrist Prize, worth CHF 100,000, is awarded annually to a researcher from Switzerland or abroad for exceptional scientific achievements.
Bernese Award for Environmental Research
Every two years, the Bernese Environmental Research Prize, endowed with CHF 15,000, is awarded to a researcher at the ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ for excellent scientific work in the field of environmental sciences and sustainability.
Dr. Lutz and Dr. Celia Zwillenberg Prize
Annually, up to three Dr. Lutz and Dr. Celia Zwillenberg Prizes of CHF 10,000 are awarded for innovative dissertations (doctoral students) or top-class publications (postdoctoral students) in the biological sciences.
Application deadline: 1 May 2026
Barbara Lischetti Prize
Every two years, the Barbara Lischetti Prize in the amount of CHF 2,000 is awarded to a doctoral student at the ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ for an outstanding dissertation in the field of gender studies.
next application deadline: 31 March 2028 (open Januar 2028)
Johanna Dürmüller-Bol DBMR Research Award
The Johanna Dürmüller-Bol DBMR Research Award in the amount of CHF 30,000 is presented annually to honor an exceptional clinical or biomedical project by an early-career researcher at the Faculty of Medicine.
Application deadline: 26 March 2026
Senior Citizens' ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ Prize
The Seniorenuniversität Bern Foundation awards CHF 5,000 annually for an outstanding dissertation or habilitation at the ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ related to age, aging or intergenerational relationships.
Application deadline: 15 May 2026