Alain Berset and Five Others Receive honorary Doctorates from university of Friborg
The University of friborg bestowed honorary doctorates upon six distinguished individuals on Saturday, recognizing their contributions to science, medicine, theology, intelligence, and education. Among those honored was Alain Berset, former President of the Confederation, lauded for his commitment to bridging the gap between politics and research, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The award ceremony, held in Granges-Paccot, was attended by Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, underscoring the significance of the event for Swiss leadership. The University of Friborg (Unifr) highlighted Berset’s advocacy for “solid and constructive collaboration between politics and research,” a principle he championed throughout his career as a federal councilor and former health minister.
Berset received the title of doctor honoris causa from the Faculty of Sciences and Medicine, a recognition of the “close links he forged with natural sciences and medicine” during the public health crisis. According to the university, Berset’s leadership fostered “robust and constructive collaboration between politics and research,” strengthening dialogue and promoting evidence-based decision-making. His influence also embodies Unifr’s commitment to a european and international outlook.
Alongside Berset, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Archbishop of Jerusalem, was also honored. The Faculty of Theology recognized Pizzaballa’s decades-long dedication to the Middle East and his role as a prominent voice for the Christian community in the Holy Land. A university spokesperson noted that Pizzaballa has been “one of the most striking faces of the Christian presence in the Holy Land” for over 20 years.
This year’s ceremony also marked the inauguration of the new Faculty of Education and training Sciences, formed from the Friborg High School of Education and integrated into the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences.
Further accolades were presented to Jacques Pitteloud, the 63-year-old Swiss ambassador to Belgium and head of the Swiss mission to NATO. Pitteloud,a former head of the Confederation’s Intelligence Service,received the title of doctor honoris causa from the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences.
The ceremony, hosted by Rector Katharina Fromm at Forum Fribourg – necessitated by renovations at the Miséricorde building following water damage – also included the presence of Prefect of Veveyse François genoud as a guest of honor. The event underscored the University of Friborg’s commitment to recognizing excellence across a diverse range of fields and its dedication to fostering impactful collaborations between academia, government, and society.
