News & Events
MSc Precision Engineering Application now OPEN!
MSc Precision Engineering Application now OPEN!
Dive deep into the world of precision engineering and elevate your expertise with the MSc in Precision Engineering. Join liked-minded people in industry and academics and shape your future!
Master’s Thesis Defense - Rafael Philipona
Master’s Thesis Defense - Rafael Philipona
Rafael Philipona had his successful master thesis defense presentation at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) where he conducted research in the field of materials testing. During his thesis, he developed and optimized fabrication and in-situ testing workflow for micro-tensile specimens (20 μm long, 3 μm wide) to investigate the mechanical behavior of ion-irradiated surfaces, individual grains in polycrystalline materials, and other microstructures under load. Rafael not only quantified the impact of surface damage caused by wire-saw sample preparation, but also improved specimen alignment in the Alemnis gripper, reducing unwanted stress due to misalignment. In addition, he derived an engineering formula for determining the optimal specimen geometry across different materials. The resulting workflow enables reproducible fabrication, testing, and analysis of micro-tensile specimens and provides a foundation for future studies of local mechanical behavior in diverse materials and microstructural regions. It was great to see how much Rafael accomplished during his master’s thesis abroad and how he applied technologies he first encountered in the Creative Engineering Lab at the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering. We congratulate him on this achievement and wish him all the best for his future career and personal life!
Visit to PSI
Visit to PSI
This week we had the pleasure of visiting the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, where Patrice Steinacher conducts his master thesis in the field of additive manufacturing. The PSI is Switzerland’s largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences, where around 2’300 experts work on advancing solutions in areas such as energy, climate, healthcare, and fundamental physics. Beyond groundbreaking research, PSI focuses on creating real-world impact through innovation, industry collaboration, and the development of advanced medical treatments, including proton therapy for cancer patients. Patrice is currently working on this master thesis on the process optimization for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) to control the transformation-induced-plasticity effect which involves the transformation of austenite to martensite during plastic deformation of 3D printed parts. The goal is to achieve a superior combination of strength and ductility by controlling alloy composition, processing parameters, and microstructural evolution after L-PBF process and heat treatment. It was a pleasure to learn about the great work already carried out by Patrice and to explore the PSI campus. Special thanks to Dr. Steven Van Petegem, Senior Scientist in the Structure and Mechanics of Advanced Materials (SMAM) group, for taking us behind the scenes, showcasing the impressive facilities, and giving us a firsthand look at where groundbreaking research in materials science and particle physics is happening.
Visit at DTU
Visit at DTU
It was a pleasure to visit the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Copenhagen and gain insights into the excellent research taking place across the university. DTU is a leading technical university driving research in areas such as renewable energy, AI and data science, biotechnology, and advanced materials. It offers students hands-on opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with industry, and turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions. We particularly enjoyed learning more about the microfluidics project of our master student Yannick Pringalle in the group of Prof. Alexander Kai Büll and visiting the National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization with Prof. Stephan Keller. Many thanks to everyone who welcomed us, shared their research, and gave us a fascinating tour of their laboratories. We greatly appreciated the inspiring discussions and generous hospitality!
Visit at ESA
Visit at ESA
We had the great pleasure to visit one of our SBPE students at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Jamie Rogg is currently conducting his Master’s thesis at ESTEC, the European Space Agency’s largest technical center. His research focuses on the fabrication and mechanical testing of single crystal micropillars, with emphasis on increasing sample throughput and repeatability. To produce the micropillars he is using a Thermo Fisher - Helios 5 pFIB UXe DualBeam system equipped with a femtosecond laser add-on, enabling precise and efficient micromachining of metallic alloys. The resulting datasets will be used to support and validate crystal plasticity models, contributing to a more reliable integration of micromechanical data into Integrated Computational Materials Engineering workflows. In addition to learning about Jamie’s work, we had the opportunity to explore ESTEC’s impressive laboratory infrastructure and gain insight into past, current, and future ESA projects, as well as the technical and economic challenges ahead. It was truly rewarding to see the excellent progress Jamie has already made, working with state-of-the-art equipment and building valuable expertise for his future career in the fascinating field of space research. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Thomas Rohr and Nathan Bamsey for the invitation and for the insightful tour of ESTEC.
Congratulations to Swiss Cluster!
Congratulations to Swiss Cluster!
We congratulate Swiss Cluster on receiving the prestigious Swiss Economic Award 2026 in the category "Industry / Production".
Visit at MPS Microsystems
Visit at MPS Microsystems
Some students and employees of the SBPE had the great opportunity to recently visit MPS Micro Precision Systems AG in Biel/Bienne.
Graduate School of Precision Engineering: Symposium 2026
Graduate School of Precision Engineering: Symposium 2026
On Friday, June 26, 2026, the Graduate School of Precision Engineering (GSPRE) will host its second symposium at the ExWi building of the University of Bern. Held under the theme “Precision Engineering Across Scales,” the symposium will bring together researchers, industry partners, and students to foster interdisciplinary exchange and discussion. Registration is CLOSED.
Advancing MedTech Collaboration Between Switzerland and the UK
Advancing MedTech Collaboration Between Switzerland and the UK
Proud to see Dr Martin Hofmann representing the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering, Universität Bern at the The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce MedTech Innovation Summit in Zürich on 18 September 2025, hosted by Zühlke Group.
Explore your Future
Industry Night Köniz
On 16th May 2025, Industry Night Köniz offers a look insight into ocal companies, many of which also operate on the global market. From 17.00 to 21.00, guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at their work, with shuttle buses connecting all sites.
Pathways for Precision Engineering
Exploring Careers at CERN
Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting CERN with MSc Precision Engineering students. The excursion provided an inspiring look into cutting-edge science and technology, highlighting real career opportunities. Students learned about CERN’s Technical Student Programme, PhD options, and early-career guidance. We're excited for our first student joining this international and and world-class research environment for a master’s thesis!
CERN Outreach: MSc Precision Engineering (PDF, 3.7 MB)SBPE meets CERN 2025
An Excursion of Discovery: Innovation at CERN
In collaboration with CERN and the VDI, Germany’s largest technical association, MSc Precision Engineering students visited CERN on an exclusive tour! Find out more about our experience at the world-famous research center through our impressions below.
Auto-Mate Robotics Advances in STAGE UP 2025 Competition!
Our partner in the Creative Engineering Lab, Auto-Mate Robotics with Lucas Renfer and Christian Wyss participates in the University of Bern STAGE UP 2025 competition. Auto-mate Robotics has successfully passed the ELEVATOR PITCH which took place on January 28, 2025. Auto-Mate Robotics reached the next round which includes a coaching and workshop. Congratulations to Lucas, Christian and the Auto-Mate Robotics team!
AMNIUS
The University of Bern, School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering, has received highly competitive and prestigious bilateral funding from Innovate UK & Innosuisse for the AMNIUS project, a collaboration between the University of Bern, University of Glasgow, Empa, Nami Surgical and the Swiss m4m Center AG. The aim of the project is to develop a miniaturized, multifunctional ultrasonic surgical instrument for robot-assisted tissue-adaptive cutting using Ni-Ti components. Dr. Hofmann is leading the project within the Swiss consortium at the University of Bern.
Exclusive Excursions
Precision Engineering meets CERN!
In collaboration with VDI, Germany’s largest technical association, MSc Precision Engineering students get exclusive access to CERN, the world-famous research center. Follow our visit on 21st March 2025 on social media!
New employee at CE LAB
Daniel Widmer, Research Associate
Having worked in the industry for several years, I understand the difference between theoretical knowledge gained during studies and practical application in the real work environment. The Creative Engineering Lab bridges this gap by offering students hands-on, innovative, and practice oriented projects that prepare them for their next chapter after graduation. The close collaboration with industry partners is a tremendous benefit, not only for the students but also for the industry itself. I am genuinely excited to support the CE Lab projects and to see the ideas and solutions the next generation of engineers and developers will come up with!
Industry Excursions
Student Visit at Alemnis AG
Students of the MSc Precision Engineering delve into the world of nanoindentation with Dr. Nicholas Randall at Alemnis AG, exploring state-of-the-art in-situ material testing technologies during a industry excursion.
Insight the Curriculum
Why Data Ethics Matters for Every Engineer
Bias in artificial intelligence systems can affect the entire engineering process, therefore, within the Master of Science in Precision Engineering students address these challenges and explore Data Ethics for a future with fairer technologies.
Insight the Curriculum
Accounting and Finance in Precision Engineering
Our lectures within the Complimentary Skills: Innovation and Entrepreneurship train our students in skills that are required to be successful in our highly competitive and fast moving business world.
Communication Skills are Key for STEM Careers
Scientific communication skills supplement the core knowledge of our MSc Precision Engineering curriculum and play an instrumental role in every engineer's professional portfolio.
Collaboration between Empa and MSc Precision Engineering
The MSc Precision Engineering of the University of Bern partners with Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, for the development of innovative thin films.
Student Visit at MPS Micro Precision Systems AG in Biel/Bienne
Students of the MSc Precision Engineering visit MPS Micro Precision Systems as part of the "Advanced Course I Ultraprecision Engineering"
The New METAS Joule-Kibble Balance - a Realisation of the Kilogram
The University of Bern, School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering SBPE and the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS are collaborating on the development of a new Kibble balance which will include the principle of a Joule balance.
Going with the flow, from microtechnology to precision medicine
Inaugural Lecture by PD Dr. Jérôme Charmet
PD Dr. Jérôme Charmet, Associate Professor at the HES-SO Haute École Arc and the University of Bern is inviting to his Inaugural Lecture with welcome words by Prof. Dr. Jürgen Burger and Prof. Dr. med. Aristomenis Exadaktylos.
A new partnership
Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V.
The VDI, the largest technical and scientific association in Germany, partners with the University of Bern and the MSc Precision Engineering. Learn more how our students benefit from this new collaboration.
Registrations
Master Precision Engineering - Registrations
Do you want to immerse yourself in the world of Ultraprecision or Optical engineering? Don’t miss to register for the interdisciplinary Master’s program in Precision Engineering at the University of Bern.
Videotrailer for Precision Engineering
The new trailer is finally here!
We are excited to show you our new and first trailer for the Master of Science Precision Engineering.
Wearables and Digital Biomarkers
Inside the Workshop
One of the first public workshops through the MSc Precision Engineering was a collaborative effort between the University of Bern, the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Innosuisse, and the User-Centered HealthTech with experts and many guests from various backgrounds.