Profile + Organisation

The School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL is a school of Bern University of Applied Sciences. It continuously adapts its teaching, research, consulting and continuing education offerings in the fields of agricultural, forest and food sciences to the new developments in the economy and society.

HAFL has a distinct line organisational structure comprising five divisions: 'Agriculture', 'Forest Science', 'Food Science and Management', 'MSc Programmes' and 'Transdisciplinary Subjects'. The 'Teaching' and 'Research, Consulting, Continuing Education' offices coordinate these activities across all divisions.
Led by the director, the school management board represents the interests of the entire school.

Vision

BFH-HAFL: the green university par excellence, a pioneer in sustainable development in land use and the agri-food industry. 

Mission

The School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, a department of Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, is exemplary in its combining of knowledge and application. In so doing, it sets high teaching and research standards at both national and international level. 

As an educational institution, it prepares bachelor’s and master’s students for their professional futures as methodically competent, solution-oriented and multilingual specialists and leaders.

Through its applied research, BFH-HAFL develops comprehensive solutions for current problems and future challenges such as sustainable nutrition and resource use. It takes the lead in key areas of the agriculture, forestry and food industries.

As an employer, it creates a culture in which employees support each other, show initiative, forge networks within their work environment and perform with passion.

Advisory Board Food Science and Management Division

Name Function

Blumer Christina

Head of Research Management at FSVO

Conde-Petit Béatrice

Head of Food Safety at Bühler AG; Member of Administrative Board of HACO Holding AG

Escher Felix

Prof. Dr. em.

Furrer Urs Co-managing director fial

Hofer Otmar

CEO Bina AG

Jehli Christian

COO Nestlé Super Premium

Künzler Thomas

Administrative Board of Boost Group AG, Managing Director of Caritas Markt

Wahlen Hans-Martin

CEO WAHU GmbH

Walther Barbara

Head of Research Group on Human Nutrition, Sensory Analysis and Flavour at Agroscope

 

Advisory Board Forest Science Division

Name Function

Brunner Markus

Director of WaldSchweiz (Association of forest owners)

Hefti Reto

Office Director/Cantonal Forester Canton of Grisons

Kocher Alan

Director Forestry Training Centre Lyss

Locatelli Gloria

District Forestry Engineer, Canton of Neuchâtel

Métraux Jean-François

Cantonal Inspector, Canton of Vaud

Morier Alain

Head of Forest Division (Cantonal Forester) Canton of Aargau

Prof. Rigling Andreas

Member of the WSL Directorate, Head of WALDDYNAMIK research unit on forest dynamics

Rosset Jean

President of the Swiss Forestry Society