The Theodor Kocher Institute (TKI), an institute of the Medical Faculty at the University of Bern, is dedicated to uncovering how the brain barriers protect central nervous system (CNS) neurons coordinating all our body functions while permitting CNS immune surveillance. Our Research employs advanced ex vivo and in vivo imaging, in vitro systems, and interdisciplinary methodologies to investigate the interplay between brain barriers, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and immune cell migration. The overarching goal is to deepen the understanding of disease mechanisms in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease and paving the way for more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies. Teaching of the TKI provides lectures and practical classes in immunology, vascular cell biology, transgenic mouse technologies, cell migration, inflammation and live cell imaging for bachelor, master and graduate students in the Medical, Science and Vetsuisse Faculties. The TKI participates in the Microscopy Imaging Center, the Bern Immunology Club and Clinical Neuroscience Bern.
PEOPLE
On January 7th, 2026 Amandine Brenna has successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled “Defining the exit routes of encephalitogenic Th17 cells from the choroid plexus into the central nervous system”. The TKI congratulates her on this accomplishment!
Research
Watch video
In this video, Prof. Britta Engelhardt shares her experiences with the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation and the impact they have had on her career. Based on her extensive experience as an applicant, she offers advice to early-career and senior researchers on applying for EU funding. She also highlights how Euresearch supported her over the years.
For one afternoon we escaped the summer heat and went floating on and swimming in the Wohlensee.
FUNDING
Britta Engelhardt from the Theodor Kocher Institute has been awarded an ERC Advanced Grant by the European Research Council (ERC).
Freiestrasse 1 3012 Bern
Phone: +41 31 684 4141 sekretariat.tki@unibe.ch