The World Trade Institute (WTI) is a leading academic institution dedicated to teaching and research focused on international trade and investment regulation and 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.
About the Institute
Education, research, consultancy
The WTI combines graduate-level education, interdisciplinary research and specialised advisory services in a unique and dynamic institution. We recruit students, researchers, faculty and employees from around the world, creating a diverse culture and stimulating environment.
Since 2005 research at the WTI has mainly been carried out within the NCCR Trade Regulation. The WTI closely cooperates with and shares its premises with the Institute of European and International Economic Law.
Contact and location
World Trade Institute, University of Bern
Hallerstrasse 6
3012 Bern, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)31 631 3270
How to reach us
On foot from the central railway station:
When you arrive on the platform, do not descend into the station. Take the stairs/escalator up the west exit and follow the next stairs/escalator north. On Schanzenstrasse continue uphill for about 300 metres. Turn right on Hallerstrasse (at the Parterre Café) and walk about 50 metres. The World Trade Institute is on the opposite side of the street.
By bus from the central tram/bus stop on Bahnhofplatz:
Take bus number 12 to Länggasse and get off at 'Universität'. Continue in the direction of the bus for about 50 metres. At the corner of Hallerstrasse turn right and walk about 50 metres. The World Trade Institute is on the opposite side of the street.
History
The institute was founded upon the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the advent of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. It was established in 1999 to train future practitioners and researchers from all over the world and to strengthen research capacities in areas that have an increasing impact on people's lives. The financial crisis in 2008 showed the importance of not only a stable and open multilateral trading system under the auspices of the WTO but also organisations and agreements promoting regional integration.
Vision
- We aim to shape public policy so that international economic governance yields tangible benefits for society
- We strive to be the world's leading academic institution for studies, teaching and research in international trade and investment regulation and economic globalisation and sustainability
Mission
- We are a centre of excellence at the University of Bern
- We contribute to a better understanding of the legal, economic and political framework governing globalisation and sustainable development
- We provide cutting-edge research and scholarly outputs on frontier topics
- We attract top graduate students from around the world and give them the knowledge and skills to become tomorrow's leaders in the field of international economic governance
Values
- Openness: We share knowledge and conduct interdisciplinary research with peers worldwide
- Innovation: We generate original ideas and engage in thought leadership
- Equality: We are committed to inclusiveness and non-discrimination
- Sustainability: We aim to ensure institutional memory, continuity and knowledge transfer
Organisational setup
Integrated WTI/NCCR structure as of February 2017
Support, tools and resources
Microsoft Outlook web access
The WTI provides employees with remote access to their email accounts, calendars and contacts. Microsoft Outlook Web Access can be accessed through any browser but we advise employees to use Internet Explorer.
Webmail for MILE students
We provide MILE Students with an @wti.org email account for the duration of their stay. The webmail client is available here, the account can be administrated here and instructions are available here.
ILIAS course management system
The WTI employs the ILIAS Course Management System of the University of Bern, a powerful open-source platform used to deliver course materials and syllabi, evaluate courses and conduct assessments. Instructions on how to log in for the first time are available here.
VPN Client and WebVPN
Students and employees of the WTI can either download the University of Bern's VPN (Virtual Private Network) client or use WebVPN to create an encrypted connection to the university network. Remote access to the network allows students and employees to use a range of electronic resources of the university. In particular, it grants access to electronic subscriptions to academic journals.
Book a classroom
The WTI's modern seminar facilities can be booked depending on availability.
Three rooms are available offering space for between 12 and 60 persons.
For reservations or further information, please contact Sandra Joseph (+41 31 631 30 79)
Job vacancies
There is currently a vacancy for a PhD researcher. Please see the PhD (Sustainability Project) attachment for details.