“For me, it’s not about forced uniformity; it’s about genuine equal opportunity.”
Eva Maria Hodel has been a member of the scientific staff at the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) of the University of Bern in the BEready project since June 2022. Since 2025, she has additionally served as Equity Officer at the university. In this interview, Eva Maria Hodel talks about why she decided to work for the University of Bern, how she champions equal opportunity and which professional development programs were particularly formative for her.
Interview with Eva Maria Hodel, member of the scientific staff and Equity Officer
What made you decide to work for the University of Bern?
I was born in Bern, so this is where my roots are. The University of Bern enjoys an excellent reputation – well beyond cantonal and national borders. What’s more, it offers the opportunity to work in an academic environment that combines research and teaching with a tangible contribution to society. The BEready project is particularly appealing to me, as it links scientific work with societal responsibility.
How do you help shape the work culture at the University of Bern?
In my role as Equity Officer I am committed to ensuring that all employees feel welcome and receive the support that best fits their individual needs. For me, it’s not about forced uniformity; it’s about genuine equal opportunity – to meet people where they are and to provide the appropriate resources. Additionally, the Academic Leadership course helped me to better understand the university as a whole – I leverage that insight to strengthen team communication and to actively support our strategic direction.
Who are your interdisciplinary partners?
We work across different faculties – particularly with the Faculty of Medicine and the Vetsuisse Faculty – but also with the MCID Ethics & Policy Lab. In addition, we liaise with cantonal authorities, the Federal Office of Public Health and other national and international partners. At the European level, we are in close dialogue with other cohort studies and institutions regarding pandemic preparedness. And our collaboration with the World Health Organization constitutes an important part of our work.
Which continuing education programs have had the greatest impact on you?
Participating in the Academic Leadership course was a pivotal moment for me. The course helped me take on leadership responsibilities with confidence and gain a better understanding of the distinct spheres of administration, research and teaching. I also truly appreciate the wide range of continuing education programs available at the university – ranging from communication and media training to courses focused on inclusive language and racial discrimination prevention.
What advice would you give to early career researchers?
My advice would be to take advantage of the wealth of coaching and continuing education programs on offer early on – especially those related to transferable skills. There are also excellent tailored programs for researchers who identify as women, trans, intersex or non-binary. Is it equally important to build a strong network and take an active approach to career planning.
What was your start at the University of Bern like?
Very positive. Our institute fosters an open culture where doors are always open – both literally and metaphorically. Offerings such as the Welcome Center and dedicated support for dual career couples really helped my family and me settle in well.