The Astronomical Institute (normally shortened to AIUB) carries out research in fundamental astronomy, satellite geodesy, gravity field determination, space weather and astronomical instrumentation. In the academic curriculum, the Astronomical and the Physical Institutes of the University of Bern offer the astronomy and astrophysics modules in the bachelor and master programs of the University of Bern.

Combining observational skills and theoretical work has tradition at the AIUB. Modern observations are performed at the Zimmerwald observatory. The observation methods include imaging and spectroscopy of celestial bodies and measuring distances to Earth satellites.