Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID)

The MCID is a multidisciplinary strategic center at the University of Bern dedicated to the study and mitigation of healthcare, societal, ethical, and economic risks from infectious diseases. The MCID brings together high impact academic researchers with the aim of determining the origins of infectious disease risks, preparing for and managing these risks.

The launch of the MCID has been made possible through a generous donation by the Vinetum Foundation.

Download the MCID brochure in English, German or French for an overview of the MCID and its activities and sign up to receive the MCID newsletter to read quarterly news from the center.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Annual Event 2025

MCID Annual Event 2025

Nearly 100 participants joined the MCID Annual Event for a full day of talks, posters, and discussion highlighting the centre’s diverse infectious disease research. Keynotes and presentations explored topics ranging from vector-borne disease surveillance and respiratory virus exposure to public attitudes toward science and misinformation. The event concluded with a panel on science communication in a polarised world, underscoring the importance of new strategies to connect researchers with wider audiences.

MCID members on Highly Cited Researchers List 2025

Congratulations to MCID members Prof. Dr. Georgia Salanti and Prof. Dr. Volker Thiel for their inclusion in the highly cited researchers list for 2025.

"UniBE talks" Podium Discussion

Wo sind die Grenzen der Wissenschaftlichkeit? Where are the limits of Science?

At the University of Bern’s "UniBE Talks" on 5 November, MCID researchers Prof. Dr. Eva Gluenz, PD Dr. Caroline Schlaufer, and Prof. Dr. Volker Thiel joined a dynamic panel exploring whether science has limits and if “scientific-ness” can be universally defined.

December 5, 2025

12:15 − 13:30

University Main Building, Room 205, Hochschulstrasse 4, 3012 Bern

Seminar

Development of AI in health with Prof. Dr. Marcel Salathé (EPFL)

The Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), in collaboration with the Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK) and the Swiss Biorisk Alliance is pleased to invite you to an upcoming seminar with Prof. Dr. Marcel Salathé School of Computer and Communication Sciences, School of Life Sciences EPFL, Co-Director EPFL AI Center, Lausanne

Host: Prof. Dr. med. Stephen Leib Director, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern

RESEARCH

MCID-funded Research

Scientists in power plays: How substantive were scientists’ narratives during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We'd like to highlight a recently published article from the EPL describing work done within the context of a MCID-funded project. This paper published in Policy Studies Journal looked at the political role that scientists played during the COVID-19 pandemic and how their narratives, strategies, and media engagement can shape evidence-based policymaking.

MCID-funded Research

Does the Media open the Door to Conspiracy Narratives? Their role in "Debunking"

The University of Bern’s online magazine "UniAktuell" spotlights research from the Institute of Communication and Media Studies (IKMB), funded by the MCID. During the Covid-19 pandemic, IKMB researchers ran a real-time study tracking how conspiracy theories emerge, gain traction, and can be effectively countered by the media. In May, journalists and researchers came together in a joint workshop to turn these insights into practical strategies for stronger crisis communication.

MCID-funded Research

BEready in the spotlight, new articles from the UniAktuell and SNF "Horizonte" magazines

The BEready project was highlighted in two recent publications this month, in the UniAktuell online magazine from the University of Bern "Local research with a global perspective" and the SNF Horizonte magazine "After the pandemic is before the pandemic".

MCID-funded Research

MCID research: 8 project teams awarded funding

As a result of the MCID Project Funding Call 2024, and following a large-scale reviewing process for applications received, 8 projects have been awarded funding and will begin latest by January 2026.

Contact

University of Bern
Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases

Hallerstrasse 6
3012 Bern

info.mcid@unibe.ch