The Circular Economy Experts of Tomorrow

03.11.2026 Last Friday, twenty-seven graduates have successfully completed the master’s degree in Circular Innovation and Sustainability at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). This unique degree programme equips students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to develop sustainable and resource-efficient solutions.

New experts in the circular economy. (Photo credit: Franziska Frutiger)
New experts in the circular economy. (Photo credit: Franziska Frutiger)

The new professionals have in-depth knowledge of biological and technical cycles, as well as the skills to develop sustainable products, services and business models. They understand the interrelationships within value chains and are able to rethink existing systems so that resources remain in circulation for as long as possible.

‘The graduates embody a new generation of professionals who are able to rethink innovation beyond products and technologies – at the level of systems, resource flows and sustainable economic models. Their strength lies not only in thinking outside the box, but in redefining the box itself,’ said Agnès Petit Markowski. The Director of Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency, personally congratulated the students at the graduation ceremony on 30 October 2026.

«Our graduates impressively demonstrate how they transcend disciplinary boundaries and challenge established ways of thinking.»

  • Silvia Zingg Responsible for the degree programme

Interdisciplinary and hands-on

The Master of Science in Circular Innovation and Sustainability is jointly run by BFH’s Business School (W), School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering (AHB) and School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL). As a result, students benefit from an interdisciplinary educational environment and a close connection between academia and professional practice.

‘From a fashion designer who develops modular plug-in systems for circular construction to a food technologist who investigates the paradox of compostable takeaway packaging that ultimately ends up being incinerated: Our graduates impressively demonstrate how they transcend disciplinary boundaries and challenge established ways of thinking,’ said Dr Silvia Zingg (HAFL). Dr Zingg is responsible for the degree programme alongside Prof Tobias Stucki (W) and Prof Frédéric Pichelin (AHB).

Graduates have attractive career prospects in businesses, start-ups, public sector organisations, consultancy firms, NGOs and research institutions. Their expertise is particularly sought after in the areas of sustainability management, innovation, environmental management and the circular economy.

Outstanding academic achievement

Two graduates were specially honoured for their outstanding academic achievements: Flurin Andrea Mosimann from the canton of Bern was awarded the prize for the best overall performance and Jasmine Colassina Broger from the canton of Zurich received the prize for the best master’s thesis. Both prizes were sponsored by Gebäudeversicherung Bern (GVB).

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Subject area: Agriculture + Forest, Life Sciences + Food Science, Sustainability
Category: Degree