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
The World Trade Institute (WTI)
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.
The WTI closely cooperates with the Institute of European and International Economic Law, which shares the same premises.
Contact and location
World Trade Institute, University of Bern
Hallerstrasse 6
3012 Bern, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)31 631 3270
Email: inquire@wti.org
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 20 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, mission and values
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
Click on the image on the left for a larger view
or download the pdf here
Quality assurance and development
Quality assurance and development is important to the World Trade Institute. Our efforts are based on the quality strategy of the University of Bern (Qualitätsstrategie der Universität Bern). With internal course and related reviews and scientific reporting we aim to meet the university guidelines on quality. Selected courses offered by the World Trade Institute in the context of its Master programmes were subject to course evaluation by the faculties of the University of Bern, and have been very positively assessed. Besides quality in research and education, we are also promoting gender equality and sustainability.
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.
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 are currently no open positions at the WTI.
For a list of job openings at the University of Bern, click here.