Prof. Bernhard C. Schär was invited to the SRF Kulturplatz Talk on 21 July 2026 to discuss the presence of human remains from colonial contexts in Swiss museums and scientific collections. During the interview with journalist Rahel Giger, he examined how large numbers of skulls and skeletal remains entered Swiss collections and what this reveals about Switzerland's historical involvement in colonial scientific networks.
The discussion builds on Prof. Schär's ongoing research into Switzerland's role in the global history of racial science and the circulation of human remains during the colonial era. His work highlights how Swiss universities, museums, and researchers participated in transnational scientific networks despite Switzerland not possessing a formal colonial empire.
By tracing the origins of these collections, Prof. Schär contributes to current debates on the ethical management, documentation, and possible restitution of human remains held in museums and academic institutions.
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