The complete work of Albert Bizius, who adopted the pen name Jeremias Gotthelf as a popular writer, are being critically edited at the Jeremias Gotthelf research center in a comprehensive project, incorporating all known works, texts and materials. This edition is the first of its kind and the cornerstone project of the research center. Furthermore, we promote integrative approaches toward further research in Swiss literature, culture and history, predominantly of the 19th century. The research center sees itself as an institution focused on exploring the political, cultural, literary and media-historical contexts that marked the seminal ground of Jeremias Gotthelf`s work. These contexts supply important points of reference to his oeuvre and are necessary to comment on his work. The research center also supports other editorial goals (such as for instance the literary and journalistic work of Alfred Hartmann) and it takes part in the IFK Religious Conflicts And Coping Strategies at the University of Bern.