Reimagine Technology. Rethink Responsibility. Today’s technologies don’t just shape code. They shape societies. As AI, cybersecurity, and digital platforms reshape everything from healthcare to agriculture, computing professionals must do more than build fast and scale big—they must lead with purpose. The BerNE Program invites curious, globally-minded students to explore how ethics, sustainability, and innovation intersect in real-world digital transformation projects. Join a cross-cultural research team and help define what it means to create technology that’s powerful, just, and responsible. You Will: Participate in 18 weeks of research inside of a 3-credit course in Spring and a 4-week summer research residency in Bern, Switzerland Collaborate on issues like AI ethics, digital governance, sustainability, and responsible technology design Gain mentorship from Swiss professionals and UNO/BFH faculty Apply your skills to real-world questions Present your findings at UNO's Student Research and Creative Activity Fair and other research venues What You’ll Gain: Paid international research experience and cultural immersion Real-world skills in cybersecurity, AI ethics, and software design Professional mentoring inside of a 3-credit course Development of leadership, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication Preparation for graduate study (especially UNO’s Fast Track Master’s programs) Resume-building through research What’s Covered for Selected Students (10 per year) Research stipend Round-trip international airfare Lodging during the four-week international research residency Travel insurance for the duration of the international stay Public transportation support while in Europe Pre-departure research seminar Access to international mentors, labs, and research resources Conference registration and travel (if presenting project outcomes) Support with passport application costs (if needed and eligible)
Digital Transformation, IT Ethics, Responsible AI, Cybersecurity
Enrolled UNO undergrads or Fast Track students (or partner community/tribal college transfers) with at least 60 completed credit hours by Spring 2026; a GPA of 3.0 or higher; have completed IT Ethics, OATS, and the Global Diversity requirement (or equivalent) with a B or better and, Address the below points in a personal statement. Submitting untailored GenAI as your statement is disqualifying. Describe a question, topic, or issue related to technology that sparks your curiosity. What do you wonder about, or have you explored, even informally? Why does this question matter to you? How might it relate to the themes of the BerNE program, such as responsible digital transformation, AI ethics, cybersecurity, or sustainability? Then reflect on how you learn best, especially in collaborative, interdisciplinary, or research settings. What do you hope to contribute to and gain from this experience? What excites you about being part of an international research team?
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