Practice-based research recognised

17.11.2020 There are currently around 125 doctoral candidates enrolled at BFH. To increase the visibility of these programmes, the BFH Research Committee announced a prize competition for the ‘Best thesis of 2020’.

At present, doctorates can only be awarded by Swiss universities of applied sciences in cooperation with research universities in Switzerland and abroad. There are currently around 125 doctoral candidates enrolled at BFH. To increase the visibility of these programmes, the BFH Research Committee announced a prize competition for the ‘Best thesis of 2020’. Seven top theses from five departments were submitted for consideration. The theses had been successfully defended at the Universities of Bern, Fribourg, Maastricht and Vienna as well as ETH Zurich.

The jury – comprised of BFH Research Committee members – evaluated submissions for innovation and practical applicability, criteria central to an education in applied sciences. The three following theses have been awarded a CHF 3,000 cash prize:

Practice-based research recognised

Dr Stefan Bockel, Department of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering

"Strukturelle Verklebung von Buchenholz (Fagus sylvatica L.) mit Polyurethanklebstoffen – eine Studie zur Untersuchung verschiedener Aspekte der Holz-Klebstoff-Interaktionen mit einem Fokus auf Holzinhaltsstoffe."

The objective of this project was to develop a new two-component polyurethane adhesive for structural hardwood adhesion. The ‘2K PUR Laub’ research project – funded by Innosuisse and conducted by AHB in cooperation with the Swiss adhesive manufacturer Collano AG – provided the basis for the thesis.

Stefan Bockel’s work provides significant new insights into hardwood adhesion, allowing for greater innovation in developing sustainable construction materials. The use of hardwood in construction further lowers a building’s CO2 footprint and promotes environmentally conscious mixed woodland cultivation.

Dr Karin Peter, Department of Health Professions

"Work-related stress among health professionals working in Swiss hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations: An analysis of stressors, stress reactions and long-term consequences of stress at work among Swiss health professionals."

Karin Peter heads the national STRAIN Project – Work-related Stress Among Health Professionals in Switzerland. Her thesis addresses workplace stress and outlines possible interventions to reduce stress among managers and healthcare workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of a functioning healthcare system, in which the well-being of frontline workers is prioritised. The STRAIN study shows that, even before the crisis, health professionals in Switzerland were being pushed to the breaking point, and Dr Peter makes recommendations for organisations and leaders in the field to mitigate workplace stress.

Dr Christoph Schärer, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (SFISM)

"Citius, altius? Relationship between difficulty index, approach speed and physical conditioning requirements for various age groups in pommel horse routines in elite artistic gymnastics – fortius! Effects of specific eccentric training on strength elements on the rings."

Christoph Schärer’s thesis is based on numerous studies of top athletes and provides new findings regarding training, performance and competition in pommel horse and ring events. These findings will influence the way elite artistic gymnasts are trained in the future.

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