Given the scorching summer of 2026, it came as no surprise that urban climate would attract attention—yet the turnout for the “Beat the Heat 2026” conference was still remarkable: Around 120 people gathered at the University of Bern on 9 September to address the challenges of urban heat. In addition to students and researchers, the event also attracted representatives of the new national research initiative NCCR Clim+, as well as professionals from various fields.
Through keynote speeches, expert presentations, and workshops, participants explored, among other things, how vulnerable population groups can be better protected from the effects of heat and how urban infrastructure can be made more climate resilient. One topic of discussion was the concept of “superblocks”: green, traffic-calmed neighborhood streets that can serve a range of functions and are often developed with the involvement of local residents. The concept originated in Barcelona and is currently being tested in Swiss cities such as Bern and Basel.
“The fruitful exchange between research and practice is the core idea behind ‘Beat the Heat,’” says organizer Moritz Gubler, a researcher with the OCCR’s Climatology group. “Our goal is to provide city administrations, policymakers, and planning firms with tools that are as concrete as possible to help make cities more livable in the age of climate change.” Last summer’s heat wave highlighted the urgency of this work once again.
Two Posters win prizes
A special highlight of “Beat the Heat” was the poster competition. In the foyer of the Unitobler campus, researchers from various universities and professionals from the field presented a total of 31 posters covering diverse aspects of heat research. At the end of the conference, a jury of experienced scientists and city representatives selected the two winning posters:
- Participatory Approach to (Thermal) Comfort: Three Case Studies in Switzerland (Floriane Gabriel, Anja Netzle, and Loris Goldschmid; University of Bern)
- Science-Based Simulations for Climate-Adapted Planning – A Case Study of Bern’s Gasworks Site (Andreas Wicki; GEO Partner AG)
Both posters received prizes sponsored by Mobiliar Insurance.
