The centre was established in 2007 and was named after Hans Oeschger (1927-1998), a pioneer of modern climate research, who worked in Bern.

Specific areas of research include: The Oeschger Centre uses models of varying kinds and complexity, and also takes measurements and carries out reconstructions of important climate variables (e.g. natural and man-made radiative forcing).

The Oeschger Centre runs the University of Bern's Graduate School of Climate Sciences [3] and offers academic training to MSc and PhD level.

The OCCR's main areas of research are reflected in the curriculum of the courses offered by the Graduate School of Climate Sciences.

The Oeschger Centre has a decidedly international outlook in its teaching, and works closely with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich.

[5] The president, director and a scientific committee made up of representatives of the participating faculties and institutes are responsible for the strategic management of the OCCR.