Walter Benjamin Kolleg

The Walter Benjamin Kolleg (WBKolleg) of the University of Bern was created in 2015. It is a dedicated to inter- and transdisciplinary research activities in the social sciences and humanities. It provides financial support and a hub for early career scholars. Moreover, it supports cooperation between faculties and universities.

The Kolleg is named after Walter Benjamin (1892-1940), a prominent graduate of the University of Bern whose work combines different disciplinary strands within the humanities.

The WBKolleg consists of doctoral students, junior fellows and other young researchers. In addition, interdisciplinary bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered. The Kolleg’s President is elected by the Faculty of Humanities. Presidents have been: the musicologist Anselm Gerhard 2015-2019, Karénina Kollmar-Paulenz (2020-2021), Stefan Rebenich (since January 2022).