VWelles Rethinking Economics Bern
As part of Rethinking Economics Switzerland, we have been campaigning for more economic pluralism at the University of Bern since 2019. Our aim is to critically question economic teaching and expand it with multiple schools of thought.
About
VWelles Rethinking Economics Bern has been advocating for greater economic pluralism at the University of Bern since 2019 as part of Rethinking Economics Switzerland. We are a student-led initiative that critically examines both the economic system and the way economics is taught. Our goal is to broaden economic education by engaging with diverse schools of thought such as post-Keynesian, ecological, and feminist economics, alongside mainstream approaches. We believe that addressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and financial instability requires a plurality of perspectives.
To create space for these discussions, we organise a range of events throughout the semester. Our core project is the interdisciplinary lecture series at the University of Bern, which brings together scholars working in different traditions. In addition, we host public talks, film screenings followed by discussions, and informal community gatherings such as our “FüBi” (Feierabendbier). Through these formats, we aim to connect theory and practice and foster open debate among students and the broader public.
Beyond organising events, we engage in ongoing dialogue with the university and contribute to public conversations about the future of economic education. At the heart of VWelles is the conviction that economics should be critical, open to multiple paradigms, and responsive to societal challenges.
To create space for these discussions, we organise a range of events throughout the semester. Our core project is the interdisciplinary lecture series at the University of Bern, which brings together scholars working in different traditions. In addition, we host public talks, film screenings followed by discussions, and informal community gatherings such as our “FüBi” (Feierabendbier). Through these formats, we aim to connect theory and practice and foster open debate among students and the broader public.
Beyond organising events, we engage in ongoing dialogue with the university and contribute to public conversations about the future of economic education. At the heart of VWelles is the conviction that economics should be critical, open to multiple paradigms, and responsive to societal challenges.
What we do
Lecture series on pluralist economics (history, philosophy, and major schools of thought)
Public talks & discussions with researchers and practitioners
Film screenings followed by moderated discussion
Community meetups (monthly organising + open discussion)
Public talks & discussions with researchers and practitioners
Film screenings followed by moderated discussion
Community meetups (monthly organising + open discussion)
This Semester
Lecture Series
In the media
Prix Lux – University of Bern
VWelles was awarded the University of Bern’s Prix Lux, recognising initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the university context.
The award and our broader work discussed in the media:
Uniaktuell (University of Bern) – „Ein Paradigmenwechsel in der VWL drängt sich auf“
In connection with the Prix Lux award, Uniaktuell featured an interview with Karin Roth and Tristan Billaud reflecting on VWelles’ work and the role of pluralism in economic education.
Der Bund – „Studierende lancieren ihre eigene Vorlesung“
Report on the launch of our first pluralist lecture series at the University of Bern in 2024.
VWelles was awarded the University of Bern’s Prix Lux, recognising initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the university context.
The award and our broader work discussed in the media:
Uniaktuell (University of Bern) – „Ein Paradigmenwechsel in der VWL drängt sich auf“
In connection with the Prix Lux award, Uniaktuell featured an interview with Karin Roth and Tristan Billaud reflecting on VWelles’ work and the role of pluralism in economic education.
Der Bund – „Studierende lancieren ihre eigene Vorlesung“
Report on the launch of our first pluralist lecture series at the University of Bern in 2024.
Get involved
Interested in economics beyond the mainstream?
Join our events, take part in discussions, or become part of the organising team. Whether you want to actively contribute or simply attend a talk or film evening — you’re welcome.
We announce all upcoming events via WhatsApp and Instagram.
Join our events, take part in discussions, or become part of the organising team. Whether you want to actively contribute or simply attend a talk or film evening — you’re welcome.
We announce all upcoming events via WhatsApp and Instagram.
Podcast
7. Folge: Einführung in den Postkeynesianismus
21 April 2022 · 01:22:39
Dr. Annina Kaltenbrunner gibt eine Einführung in den Postkeynesianismus, seine Unterschiede zur Neoklassik und seine Relevanz für Makroökonomie, Geldtheorie und Wirtschaftspolitik.
Listen on Spotify →
6. Folge: Real Value in Education and Economics
26 September 2021 · 00:59:14
Gespräch mit Finbarr Bradley über die Rolle von Bildung und die Frage, wie in der Ökonomie echter gesellschaftlicher Mehrwert geschaffen werden kann.
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5. Folge: Entstehung der Neoklassik
19 Juli 2021 · 00:44:11
Ulrike Herrmann spricht über die Entwicklung wirtschaftlicher Theorien, die Bedeutung der Klassiker und die Grenzen der neoklassischen Perspektive.
Listen on Spotify →