Institute of Sport Science

Introducing Bernese Sport Science:

The Institute of Sport Science is characterised in its teaching and research by its integrative and application-oriented orientation with a focus on social and behavioural sciences. While the Bachelor's programme teaches the basics of sport science in a broad thematic way, the consecutive Master's programme in Sport Science enables specialisation in Health Promotion, Sport Management or Teaching & Learning.
In research, a problem-oriented strategy is pursued that focuses on the phenomena of sport in its entire breadth and whose implementation is supported by excellent personnel and equipment research facilities.

News and events

Successes at the SGS Conference 2026

Successful Bernese Early-Career Researchers at the 4S Conference 2026 (M. Schmidt)
At the 17th Annual Conference of the Swiss Society of Sport Science (4S) held on February 11–12, 2026, in Fribourg, Marion Gasser achieved third place in the Young Investigator Award competition with her contribution “From Inactive to Active Schools – Effectiveness of a Comprehensive School-Based Physical Activity Program in Swiss Secondary Schools After 12 Months.” Moritz Engel won the poster prize with his contribution “Acute effects of social media use and physical activity on adolescents’ body-related self-perception.” Congratulations to both!

Senior University Award for PD Dr. Andrea Schärli

Andrea Schärli received the Senior University Award at the Dies Academicus for her outstanding postdoctoral thesis at the Institute of Sport Science at the University of Bern, entitled: "Live to Dance – Dance to Live: Optimal dance training for professional performance and community well-being". In her work, she developed special approaches to formulate the fundamentals for evidence-based dance training on an empirical basis. A particular focus of her work is dance in old age. Her work has received international acclaim.

Successful thesis defence Emma Peters

On 30 January, Emma successfully defended her thesis entitled "The Bridge Between Physical and Dreamed Body: From the Physiology underlying Dream Engineering to its Applications in Motor Practice?". The examination committee consisted of Daniel Erlacher, Martin Dresler and Andrea Schärli (chair). We congratulate Emma warmly and wish her all the best for the future. She will remain at the institute as a research assistant and will provide scientific support for various research projects.

Private lectureship for Lukas Magnaguagno

On 8 December 2025, Lukas Magnaguagno successfully defended his postdoctoral thesis before the Faculty of Human Sciences with a lecture on “Acting in sports game situations”. We warmly congratulate Lukas on his private lectureship and venia docendi for the subject of sport science.

Contact

University of Bern
Institut für Sportwissenschaft

Bremgartenstrasse 145
3012 Bern

Phone: +41 31 684 83 21