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
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).
ACHIEVEMENTS
On June 2nd, 2025 Dixy Parakkattel has successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled “From blood to brain: A novel route for gadolinium based contrast agent entry into the brain”. The TKI congratulates her on this accomplishment!
On April 28th, 2025 Pelin Kasap has successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled “Towards Building an Isogenic Human Neurovascular Unit-on-a-Chip to Study the Blood-Brain Barrier in Health and Disease”. The TKI congratulates her on this accomplishment!
Freiestrasse 1 3012 Bern
Phone: +41 31 684 4141 sekretariat.tki@unibe.ch
