Faculty of Human Sciences

Research Management (FOMA)

FOMA – Empowering research excellence in Human Sciences

The role of FOMA is to strengthen and develop basic and applied research at the Faculty of Human Sciences of the University of Bern. In line with the Faculty Strategy 2030, the focus is on competent, critical and creative individuals in their endeavors to decide and act responsibly.

The services of FOMA are directed to the three institutes of the Faculty - Educational Science, Psychology, and Sport Science - and are divided into the following areas:

Individual consultation and project-specific support

FOMA is happy to advise you in all phases of your research project, from generating a research idea to implementation and the possible transfer of scientific results into practice.

Our support covers the following project phases:

 
Phase Support Services
Project Idea
  • Developing a research idea (e.g., linking concepts)
  • Finding competent project partners
Project Proposal
  • Identifying suitable financial support
  • Assistance with the application process
Project Start
  • Support in formulating ethics applications and adhering to ethical guidelines
  • Structuring data management (throughout the project)
  • Planning the project and internal communication
Project Implementation
  • Consultation on project management (e.g., ethics monitoring and control)
  • Promoting networking and cooperation with other researchers
Project Conclusion
  • Publication and communication of findings to the general public
  • Populating repositories
  • Creation of final reports
Post-Project
  • Transfer of research results into practice
  • Archiving of results

FOMA also offers you individual support in shaping your scientific career, helps in building scientific networks, and contributes to realizing potential synergies within and outside the Faculty of Human Sciences.

Below you will find an overview graphic (in German) of our advisory services for the various phases of a research project:

FOMA Consulting Services - Graphic (PDF, 163KB)

General research support and knowledge transfer

In addition to project-specific advice, FOMA also develops content and formats that are made available to all researchers of the Faculty. Current formats include:

  • FOMA Webinars and FOMA Info Events for knowledge transfer in research-related areas
  • FOMA Intranet as a reference tool for research-related topics
  • FOMA Newsletter as a regular source of information on research-related news, developments and offers

Communication in the area of research

FOMA supports research-related communication with the public and uses the following channels for this purpose:

  • a podcast series to inform the general public about research at the Faculty
  • a LinkedIn account for the Faculty and its institutes to network with other experts
  • a website to publicize research highlights and coverage of Faculty members in the media

Strengthening research infrastructure and supporting strategic development

FOMA is actively engaged in fostering the research infrastructure and the strategic development of our Faculty. We develop research support structures that include both organizational improvements and the provision of technical infrastructure. In addition, we identify development opportunities and contribute to further developing areas with potential identified in the Faculty Strategy 2030.

Team

Research Management Team

Ever wondered what two AI's think about FOMA?

Listen to this unique conversation where two artificial minds dive into how FOMA empowers researchers at the Faculty of Human Sciences. From funding support to research ethics and data management, this playful yet informative dialogue (in English with a US-American style) offers a clear understanding of what FOMA provides while highlighting AI’s future in academic collaboration.

FOMA-AI-Podcast (MP3, 17.0 MB)

Podcast on "Education without Age Limits"

In the latest episode of our podcast "Research with and for People," Prof. Rolf Becker from the Institute of Educational Science discusses how education impacts life expectancy and helps older adults stay active and integrated in our digital world. You will discover why lifelong learning is essential and how educational opportunities can be made attractive and accessible for the Silver Society, i.e., the aging population.

Research Management

Podcasts

to the Podcasts (in German)

Series 4: Stress Management and Wellbeing

Are you looking for ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing? In this series, experts Dr. Julia Mori, Dr. Julia Schmid, and Prof. Achim Elfering bring you scientific insights and practical tips to improve your personal and professional wellbeing. From the importance of school wellbeing to the benefits of regular physical exercise and effective management of work-related stress—these three podcasts provide you with the tools you need to actively shape your wellbeing in central areas of life.

Series 4: Stress Management and Wellbeing

Are you looking for ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing? In this series, experts Dr. Julia Mori, Dr. Julia Schmid, and Prof. Achim Elfering bring you scientific insights and practical tips to improve your personal and professional wellbeing. From the importance of school wellbeing to the benefits of regular physical exercise and effective management of work-related stress—these three podcasts provide you with the tools you need to actively shape your wellbeing in central areas of life.

Series 3: How is Learning Changing in the Digital Age?

Join the Phil.-hum. Faculty in exploring the fascinating world of digital learning. Did you know that physical activity and video games can be in harmony? A topic that excites many of our listeners! Dive into the multifaceted aspects of digital learning environments, explore the various facets of self-regulated learning, and be surprised by the challenges and opportunities of digital literacy. An enlightening podcast!

Series 2: On Senses of Perception and Different Perspectives

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of perception with the Phil.-hum. Faculty. Discover how we humans perceive reality, how perception differs in people with autism, and what role visual perception plays in sports. Find out more about the secrets of information integration and the diverse perspectives in school, teaching and sports. Tune in now and experience perception in a whole new light!

Series 1: The Corona Pandemic

Look back with the Phil.-hum. Faculty at the time of the Corona pandemic. Discussions about boredom and self-control and their impact on social distancing have interested many listeners. How did these factors influence our actions during this time? What role did online self-help programs play? And how has our wellbeing developed amid all these changes? Join us in exciting conversations and discover what we have learned from this time. An informative and educational retrospective!

Webinars

to the Webinars (Uni intern)

Career

Recording: Webinar on "Success Strategies for Doctoral Students"

Learn how to successfully shape your academic career! Dr. Matthias Hirt demonstrates how to strategically plan and develop your research career from the doctoral thesis to the post-doc phase. You will discover the key support services and funding instruments offered by the University of Bern and receive practical tips on how to utilize these resources. A special focus is placed on early planning, the importance of mobility, and the role of scientific autonomy.

Research Funding

Recording: Webinar on "The UniBE Research Commission"

The workshop with Prof. Mirko Novák offers insights into the working methods and decision-making processes of the University of Bern's Research Commission - from the role and significance of the Research Commission to the evaluation criteria for project submissions and valuable tips for researchers.

Ethics

Recording: Webinar on "Ethics in Research Projects"

The workshop deepens the understanding of ethical guidelines and their application in research practice. It highlights the necessity of careful project planning, dealing with Serious Adverse Events, and the importance of informed consent. Learn how FOMA support services can help shape your research ethically responsibly.

Research Funding

Recording: Webinar on "Td-net: Guidance for Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research"

Here you will learn how to write compelling grant proposals for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects. We explain the support options provided by Td-net and clarify the differences between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. A special focus is placed on integrating non-academic knowledge and stakeholders, as well as using tools and methods like the "Theory of Change". Discover how to structure your proposals methodically and clearly to maximize your chances of success.

Research Funding

Recording: Webinar on "International Collaboration at the SNSF"

Discover how the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) promotes international research collaboration. Elisabeth Schenker explains key funding instruments such as the Lead Agency Process, the Weave Initiative, and the International Co-Investigator Scheme. Learn how these programs can help you expand global research networks and integrate international collaborations into your projects.

Research Funding

Recording: Webinar on "Federal Government Research"

Learn in this workshop how Federal Government Research from 2025-2028 offers new opportunities for researchers in the human sciences. We will explore organizational structures, objectives, and the research priorities of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), such as the National Health Study and gender medicine. A focus is on the importance of close cooperation with government authorities for the orientation and visibility of your research projects. Discover ways to align your work with government priorities.

Innovation

Recording: Webinar on "Successful Innovation Projects"

The Innovation Office promotes innovation, knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship at the University of Bern. But what exactly are we talking about? What do successful innovation projects look like and how is the bridge from research to practice built? First-hand experiences of researchers at the Phil.-hum. Faculty who have successfully acquired innovation projects shed light on this.