FernUni Switzerland looks back on successful development
The assembly of the founding members of FernUni Switzerland met on April 30, 2025 on the campus in Brig. The agenda included the validation of the 2024 annual report and the expansion of the Foundation Board and the Academic Council.
FernUni Switzerland used its Annual General Meeting to look back on the milestones it has achieved. It is continuing its strategic development to become the University of Valais by 2027.
Highlights 2024 of the FernUni Switzerland
2024 was a year of remarkable development and strategic growth for FernUni Switzerland. The university institute has almost 2,400 students, a figure that has never been reached before. A record 403 diplomas were awarded at the graduation ceremony on September 7. In the field of research, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supported several projects to the tune of almost CHF 1,500,000. These included, for example, the project by Sabine Pitteloud, Professor of History, on the subject of "Companies, business associations and environmental management in Western Europe after 1945". FernUni Switzerland's commitment to innovative, flexible and high-quality university operations is reflected in a number of projects that shaped the year. "We are continuing to develop and intensify our networking with institutions and organizations in the national and international academic landscape. This means we are ready to face new challenges and continue to realize our vision of a modern, excellent and networked university," explains Professor Nicolas Rothen, Rector ad interim.
High-caliber members strengthen the Board of Trustees
During the meeting, three individuals were officially appointed to the Board of Trustees, the highest governing body of FernUni Switzerland. Prof. Anne-Christine Fornage, private law expert and former Vice-Rector of the University of Lausanne, Prof. Kilian Stoffel, Rector of the University of Neuchâtel, and Mathias Bellwald, Mayor of Brig-Glis, will contribute their expertise and knowledge of the academic and political world to the strategy and future vision of FernUni Switzerland. Stefan Bumann, President of the Foundation Board, is looking forward to the collaboration. "We are delighted to welcome these new members to our institution and to benefit from their expertise in university management and their international networks to strengthen the development of the future University of Valais." The Board of Trustees took this opportunity to thank its former members Rachel Salzmann and Patrick Amoos, who stepped down from the Board of Trustees in June 2024 and March 2025 respectively. "Patrick Amoos, who has been active since 2009, is one of our oldest members. I welcome his many years of commitment and the expertise he has brought to our institute," emphasized Stefan Bumann.
Two renowned female professors join the scientific advisory board
Elected by the Board of Trustees in April 2025, two new members have joined the Academic Advisory Board, which acts as an advisory body for all matters relating to academic teaching and research. The Institute will now benefit from the rich experience and academic expertise of historian Madeleine Herren-Oesch, Professor Emeritus of Modern General History and former Director of the European Institute at the University of Basel, and Professor Emeritus Ruth Kellerhals, former holder of the Chair of Geometry and Algebra at the University of Fribourg.
Source and further information: www.fernuni.ch
