معرفی
Thomas Brunner serves as Professor of Consumer Behavior at Bern University of Applied Sciences within the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), Department of Food Science & Management. He has held this position since 2012, conducting research and teaching focused on food-related consumer decisions with significant implications for sustainability and public health.
His educational background includes:
- Doctoral Degree (Dr. lic. phil. I) in Psychology, University of Basel (2002-2006)
- Lizentiat in Psychology, University of Basel (1999-2002)
- Exchange Student, Iowa State University, USA (1998-1999)
- Undergraduate Studies in Psychology, University of Basel (1996-1998)
Professor Brunner's research centers on experimental food consumer behavior, with emphasis on sustainability drivers. He investigates how environmental cues influence consumption volume, consumer acceptance of alternative proteins (insects, microalgae), meat reduction behaviors, and food waste prevention. His work combines nationwide surveys with controlled experiments to identify psychological mechanisms behind food choices, particularly examining cross-cultural differences between Switzerland and Vietnam.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward cross-cultural behavioral studies focused on sustainable food transitions. His work increasingly addresses meat reduction strategies, alternative protein acceptance, and food waste prevention through sophisticated consumer segmentation. The research demonstrates growing integration of true cost accounting frameworks and behavioral economics principles into food policy recommendations.
No specific scientific awards or fellowships were documented in the available information.
Professor Brunner has supervised over 50 Bachelor's theses, 15 Master's theses, 60 semester projects, and 4 doctoral dissertations focused on food consumer behavior. His research is funded through diverse channels including:
- European Commission (Horizon Europe: Sustain-a-bite)
- Swiss National Science Foundation (Grün essen? project)
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Algen project)
- Industry partnerships (Fenaco, Sbrinz Käse, Milupa/Danone)
- Government agencies (BLV, BAG, BLW)
He leads experimental research utilizing his own German-speaking online panel and nationwide survey capabilities. As program leader for Foodward (2020-2025), he coordinates interdisciplinary efforts to transform food systems through behavioral insights, collaborating with international teams on projects examining sustainable consumption patterns across multiple continents.
