swissnex: Switzerland’s Knowledge Network

Pre-announcement swissnexDay '10

Working closely with the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL) and the Canton of Vaud’s Office of Higher Education (DGES), the State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER) has organised the swissnexDay '10 event, which will take place on Monday, 8 November 2010 from 10.00 a.m. to 6.45 p.m. The event has been split into two sessions: the first taking place at the EPFL’s Rolex Learning Centre in the morning and the second taking place at the ECAL campus in the afternoon.

The various presentations and discussions will be devoted to the internationalisation of Swiss higher education institutions and the role of the swissnex network in this development.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, who heads the Federal Department of Home
Affairs (FDHA), and Cantonal Councillor Anne-Catherine Lyon, who heads the Canton of Vaud’s Department of Education, Youth and Culture, will be sharing their views on this theme.

Several other presentations will also be given. Time has specifically been set aside for discussion and individual contacts. The definitive version of the programme with all practical details will be available in due course.

Why a swissnexDay?

swissnex encourages cooperation in the areas of science, education, art and innovation between Switzerland and other countries that are at the forefront of research and innovation. The swissnex network is firmly established in the United States, Singapore, China and India. The annual swissnexDay is organised to provide participants with:

§ a forum where strategic foreign science policy matters may be discussed;

§ a meeting between Swiss protagonists involved in the internationalisation of science;

§ an opportunity to express your needs and expectations directly to swissnex offices

Contact sarah.daepp@sbf.admin.ch / 031 323 20 93 for all questions!

swissnex: Switzerland’s Knowledge Network

swissnex is a network of science and technology outposts run by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research (SER), in close cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

The SER currently handles four knowledge outposts: swissnex Boston (2000), swissnex San Francisco (2003), swissnex Singapore (2004) and swissnex Shanghai (2007). swissnex Bangalore is planned for 2009.

swissnex is a key component of the Swiss strategic policy on the promotion of education, research and innovation set by the Federal Council. Apart from Europe the U.S, India, China, Russia and South Africa are priority countries for bilateral cooperation given their proven potential for scientific and technological development. Brazil, Chile, Japan and South Korea will get special attention as well.

Initially the main funder of swissnex, the SER used to cover most of the start-up, running and core project costs. Since 2003, the network has relied on public and private funding (one-third SER, two-thirds from other sources). swissnex is now dedicated to expanding the group of sponsors and donors willing to support services, activities and events.

SER also maintains and develops a worldwide network of science & technology counselors (STC) sharing swissnex mission. Initiated in 1958, it is run in collaboration with the FDFA. For the moment, twelve STC work at selected Swiss Embassies.

swissnex' mission is:

to strengthen Switzerland's excellence as a location for science, technology and innovation
to set up and maintain a dense network of contacts with universities, research institutions, companies and other organizations in the host region and in Switzerland, as well as to support Swiss scientists in the host regions
to structure, strengthen and promote the interests of Switzerland, the presence of Swiss research, technology and know-how in each host region; swissnex gives consideration to all scientific and technological domains (exact and natural sciences, technical sciences, life sciences, human and social sciences). Particular attention is given to integrated and cross-disciplinary approaches in the domains of education, research, technology and innovation, the economy and the arts
to support the internationalization efforts of Swiss institutions in the host regions
to coordinate the network of partner institutions and researchers with a view to the development of a tradition of scientific and technological exchange; initiation and implementation of projects promoted with SER funds is encouraged
to strengthen brand building and public relations in the host regions as well as media coverage in Switzerland
to help structure, implement and extend bilateral research cooperation programs, where such programs exist

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swissnex: Switzerland’s Knowledge Network