The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Bern offers a rich program of teaching and research, addressing topics of the highest scientific significance and societal relevance.

Research activities span both fundamental and applied research. Current research areas include astronomy, particle physics, theoretical physics, climate and environmental physics, planetary science, space research, biomedical photonics, microwave physics, and laser physics. In addition to conducting research using internationally recognised in-house experimental facilities, the department maintains intensive theoretical and experimental collaborations with CERN, plays a strong role in space research missions led by the European and American space agencies ESA and NASA, as well as other partners, and benefits from observing time at the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

Furthermore, the Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts the Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics (AEC), one of the largest university-based research groups in Switzerland in the field of particle physics. Interdisciplinary collaborations are also fostered through the Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research (OCCR) and the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH), and the department is well integrated into the Swiss research landscape.