Introducing Alumni Biomedical Sciences

Who are you and what is the Alumni Biomedical Sciences Association? 

We are the Alumni Biomedical Sciences Association, an organization of the graduates of the Master’s program in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bern. Our goal is to serve as a networking hub for students, graduates, and industry partners, where like-minded individuals can meet, exchange expertise, and offer advice, thereby opening up new perspectives and fostering career growth. 

How did the association come into being, and since when have you been around? 

The association was founded by students shortly after the program was established at the University of Bern. It officially exists since 2013. 

Who can join your association? 

Master’s students enrolled in the MSc Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Bern, graduates of this program and graduates of the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) at the University of Bern. 

How do you foster exchange between academic studies, research, and professional practice? 

Every year, we organize two networking events for the current cohort of students, where we invite members of our association to share their career and personal experiences with the students. Whenever possible, we also strive to bring in representatives from industry and graduate schools to, on the one hand, offer students as many perspectives as possible and, on the other hand, introduce young talent to the job market. 

What types of events do you organize (e.g., networking events, lectures, workshops)? 

Our top priority is the two networking events we hold each year. In addition, we organize an annual members’ dinner in Bern, a general assembly and occasionally a “bArLUMNI” event at the Berner Sternenmarkt. 

Is there a particular event format you are especially proud of or that is especially popular? 

The highlight of our year is usually the networking event with members and students in the fall. 

What opportunities are there to get actively involved in the association? 

There’s always the opportunity to join the Executive Board (currently 2 vice presidents, 1 president), as well as more specific roles requiring a smaller time investment, such as conducting a financial audit at the end of the year or helping out at a networking event. 

Who is currently on the board? And which moments from your student days or from your alumni work do you remember most vividly? 

Our current president is Karolina Mathisova and our vice presidents are Susan Bachmann and Sophie Rohrer. We all remember our last general meeting, where we decided to join the UniBe Alumni Network in order to offer our members an even wider variety of events and greater visibility. 

What have you got planned for the near future? 

One of our networking events will take place at the end of April, followed by our members' dinner the following month. Members are of course always welcome and encouraged to being their ideas for new events and formats to the board!