Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)

Research project on the transmission of viral respiratory pathogens in schools

Symbolic picture student writing

15.03.2022 – Congregate settings, such as schools play an important role in the spread of airborne pathogens. A better understanding of viral pathogens transmitted through the air, such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and influenza viruses (flu), is needed. Researchers from the University of Bern and Inselspital, including Professor Tina Hascher from the Institute of Education, are currently working under the lead of Professor Lukas Fenner from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine to investigate the transmission of viral pathogens in school settings in the current pandemic.

The approach of the interdisciplinary public health project is based on previous and ongoing research projects in sub-Saharan Africa on tuberculosis, an airborne infectious disease. It aims to collect biological data such as airborne germ collection, CO2 concentration and particles in the air, as well as personal data such as the number of people present in the room and germ identification in the individuals. At the same time, the well-being of the young people is also recorded, such as their emotional experience and their enjoyment of learning. See also the Faculty of Human Sciences.