The World Trade Institute (WTI) is a leading academic institution dedicated to studies, teaching and research in international trade and investment regulation, economic globalisation and sustainability. As a centre of excellence at the University of Bern with an international, interdisciplinary focus, we explore the interconnections between the fields of law, economics and political science.

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COVID-19 Update (25 February 2021)

In view of the worrying epidemiological situation, the Federal Council has decided to tighten the restrictions to contain the pandemic and to extend the existing measures until the end of February. The most relevant new measure for the University is the obligation to work from home, where it is possible and can be implemented with a reasonable amount of effort.

Currently, the following regulations apply:

• Working from home is mandatory everywhere where it is possible and can be implemented with a reasonable amount of effort.
• Masks are compulsory on the entire campus of the University of Bern, including the WTI. This applies to the entire perimeter of the institutions, i.e. not only inside the buildings but also their exterior spaces.
• All in-person courses will continue to be replaced by distance learning. This also applies to further-education courses. (More detailed information on the holding of events in FS21 will follow in the next few days, as soon as some outstanding issues have been clarified).
• Most of the libraries will reopen 1 March 2021. You can find more information here.
• Starting 1 March 2021, outdoor workouts of the Unisport in groups of up to 15 will once again be possible, and the outdoor facilities at the Center for Sport and Sport Science (ZSSw) will be open. All information about Unisport operations can be found here (in German).
• Events with participation by external people are cancelled. New events will not be allowed.

The university's crisis management team continues to recommend:

• Installing the official Swiss-COVID app.
• Avoiding large crowds of people.
• Avoiding public transport during rush hour.

All other measures, especially the social distancing rules and hygiene recommendations, remain in place. All measures apply until further notice. The website is currently being updated. In the event of contradictory statements, the latest information applies. Updated regulations from the University of Bern can be found here. The regulations for the Canton of Bern can be found here. Click here for current information about in-person courses.

Please follow the rules and stay safe!