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.
Continuing Education
Registration for the 2nd cohort is open until 31st May, with courses to begin in September.
January 23, 2026
10:00
Hörsaal Paraklinik, Länggassstrasse 122
PhD defence: Jérémy Cherbuin
January 30, 2026
14:00
Room 220, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern
PhD defence: Martin Wohlfender
February 11, 2026
12:00 − 13:00
Seminar
The Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID) is pleased to invite you to an upcoming seminar with Prof. Dr. med Berit Lange Head of the Epidemiology Department, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany Hosts: Prof. Dr. med. Nicola Low and Dr. phil. Eva Maria Hodel Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, BEready cohort study
MCID: Hot off the Press
The ‘Bern, get ready’ (BEready) study aims to establish a prospective ‘pandemic preparedness cohort’ in canton Bern. In preparation for the main data collection, the BEready team have published a pilot study where they evaluate remote data collection methods and sample collection without face-to-face contact, the feasibility of follow up, and the continuity of participation engagement. Findings from this pilot have facilitated refinements to the study design and procedures for the ongoing main cohort study, which aims to recruit 1,500+ households.
MCID-funded Research
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.
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.
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".
Hallerstrasse 6 3012 Bern
info.mcid@unibe.ch
