Meeting New Challenges
Ten years ago, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) in Biel added a master’s programme to its range of courses in wood technology. In a globalised, digitally connected and increasingly complex world, greater demands are being made of specialists and managers – including those in the Swiss wood industry. BFH’s Master of Science in Wood Technology programme reflects this trend.
Regional – National – International
The early stages of the new programme began inauspiciously: the first students enrolled at BFH started their master's programme in the autumn semester of 2009 with the cooperation partner at Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences in Germany. They continued their course in Biel in the spring 2010 semester. Over 50 students have completed the master’s programme at BFH and are now working as highly sought-after experts or managers. With their knowledge and skills, they make important contributions to the competitiveness of the regional and national wood industry and ensures that Swiss expertise is recognised, appreciated and applied internationally.
In Tandem with Research
Another benefit for the economy is the integration of students in research activities. On one hand, the graduates bring scientific methods to partner companies. On the other, the English-language master’s programme has also had a significant influence on research at BFH in Biel over the past ten years. The research activities at BFH in their present form would be barely conceivable without the master’s students. They contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of the research, the expansion of the international network, the diversity found in Biel and the global perception of research and lecturing at BFH.
Due to the exceptional situation caused by COVID-19, the celebration was postponed to June 2021.