Cooperation METAS SBPE MoU

Dr. Hugo Lehmann, Chief Partnership and Technology Transfer Officer METAS, Dr. Susanne Heinzer, coordinator Graduate School of Precision Engineering, Prof. Jürgen Burger, Head of the study programme and of the Graduate School of Precision Engineering and Dr. Peter Blattner, Chief Metrology Officer METAS (from l. to r.).

In January 2025, the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) at the University of Bern signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bern. The agreement affirms the commitment of the two research institutions to pursue a long-term collaboration in precision engineering, metrology research, and its applications.

Under the MoU, the collaboration in research and education in the fields of precision engineering and metrology will be strengthened. Each institution can benefit from the technical and scientific infrastructure and specific expertise of the other. Regular exchanges will be maintained through joint seminars, colloquia, and workshops.

Students of the School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering (SBPE) can conduct their Master's and PhD theses at the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), making use of its well-equipped metrology laboratories. METAS metrologists will contribute their expertise to teaching at the SBPE. In return, METAS employees will benefit from the opportunity to obtain a habilitation at the University of Bern, with which the institute is affiliated.

Combining Accuracy and Precision

A unique university program in precision technologies meets the highest standards in measurement – metrology: an outstanding combination of expertise located in Bern. This constellation has already proven successful and stimulating in the first joint projects, leading to the desire to formalize the partnership through an MoU.

Hugo Lehmann, Head of Partnerships at METAS, on the collaboration with SBPE:"In the METAS laboratories, precision is an absolute must to achieve the most accurate measurements. It was natural — both figuratively and geographically — to collaborate with the University of Bern's unique precision engineering program for our development and research activities."

Professor Jürgen Burger, Head of the Precision Engineering program and the Graduate School of Precision Engineering, on the MoU with METAS:"Our drive for the highest precision unites us with METAS. The MoU establishes a solid foundation for jointly developing innovative solutions in research and education — to the benefit of the next generation of precision engineers."

First PhD Students Already Working at METAS

Two PhD students from the Graduate School of Precision Engineering at the University of Bern are already involved in projects at METAS. Grace Bramer is working in the Optics Laboratory on an interdisciplinary project aimed at improving the measurement of light emissions. Daniel Zahnd is working on a fundamental metrology project — defining the kilogram using the METAS Watt balance.

Many further ideas for Master's theses to deepen the collaboration are already in planning. The exchange through colloquia and seminars is also set to be intensified.

METAS: Where Switzerland Is at Its Most Accurate

The Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) is the Swiss Confederation's center of competence for all matters related to measurement.

METAS is essentially the guardian of Switzerland’s units of measurement. Through its activities and services, it ensures that measurements and testing in Switzerland are carried out with the accuracy required by the needs of the economy, research, and society. This mission is of utmost importance for Swiss industry, which is internationally recognized for its accuracy and precision.

School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering

The SBPE is an institution of the University of Bern and the Bern University of Applied Sciences dedicated to promoting innovative technologies in the fields of precision and biomedical engineering. Precision engineering is a key technology for sustainable innovation to meet future technological demands.

It combines disciplines such as optics, microtechnology, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control and automation, modeling and simulation, mechatronics and robotics, material sciences, analytics, and thin-film technologies.

More information

Federal institute of metrology METAS

School of Biomedical and Precision Engineering