Ambassador Peter Maurer visits Boston

As his tenure at the United Nations (UN) drew to a close in February, swissnex Boston was honored to host Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Ambassador Peter Maurer. Before taking on his new role as Secretary of State at the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs this month, Ambassador Maurer visited Boston for a two-day, whirlwind speaking engagement among students and lecturers, diplomats, business executives and global collaboration partners.

1. February 17: Boston University (BU)

Ambassador Maurer was first honored at a luncheon led by Vice President of the Swiss-American Foundation and BU Assistant Provost Dr Douglas Sears. The intimate setting permitted Ambassador Maurer to reminisce among BU international affairs researchers on his five years at the UN. He willingly entertained questions, even on hot topics such as religious freedoms in Switzerland.

2. February 17: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ambassador Maurer then moved to MIT’s Center for International Studies, where he spoke to 50 guests and students from MIT and Suffolk University. Moderated by Ford International Associate Professor of Law and Development Balakrishnan Rajgopal, students demonstrated their conversance with UN protocol and practice, inquiring about the future relevance of the UN in a fast-changing world.

3. February 17: Tufts University

At the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, students, diplomats and faculty filled the room later that day. Moderated by Prof. Ian Johnston, Ambassador Maurer recalled his experiences as Chairman of both the UN General Assembly 5th Committee and the UN Burundi Configuration. As is customary, swissnex Boston sponsored wine and hors d’oeuvres for guests following the conference.

4. February 18: Harvard University

Beginning the second day of his visit with a breakfast meeting at the Harvard Faculty Club, Ambassador Maurer spoke to a selected audience of faculty and students on human rights. Hosted by Director of Harvard’s Center for Human Rights Studies, Prof. Jacqueline Bhabha, the Ambassador probed the UN’s efforts in human rights, peacekeeping and peace-building.

5. February 18: World Boston/United Nations Association for Greater Boston (UNAG)

Ambassador Maurer’s final public engagement occurred at Hampshire House in historic Beacon Hill. Hosted by World Boston Director Bill Clifford and UNAGB Executive Director Lena Granberg, more than 60 guests from consulates and the business community feasted on a sumptuous lunch. When Ambassador Maurer took the mic, he focused on non-proliferation and armed violence, before engaging in an interactive Q&A.

Energy innovation takes the stage in Washington D.C. and Boston

How can the USA accelerate energy innovation and ensure commercialization in a way that guarantees a leadership position in Greentech? In early March, two East Coast conferences addressed this very relevant question.

The first event, the inaugural ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, was held in Washington D.C. on March 1-3. ARPA-E’s mission is to fund high-risk, high-payoff concepts—technologies promising genuine transformation in ways that can generate, store and utilize energy.

The conference brought together the nation’s top energy leaders and members of the scientific community to begin building the next industrial revolution in clean energy technologies, according to US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. Indeed, it was attended by 1,700 energy experts, who participated in a diverse program ranging from keynote speeches to panel discussions. Yet the informal networking in the hallways of the Gaylord Convention Center and conversations over the technology innovation showcase were imperative features of the conference, transferring knowledge among newly connected participants.

In the same week, 800 professionals and students in the fields of technology, policy, industry, and finance attended the 5th MIT Energy Conference on March 5-6 in Boston. The goal of this conference was similar to that of the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit—to assemble energy leaders to develop solutions to the the world’s most pressing energy challenges. The conference was entirely managed by MIT students and the program featured John Rowe (CEO of Exelon Corporation), Nobuo Tanaka (Executive Director International Energy Agency) and Jeff Bingaman (Senator of New Mexico) as keynote speakers.

With the bulk of keynote speeches and panels addressing the importance of consistent policies and the impact of a price on carbon on energy innovation, both conferences illustrated the relevance of the energy discussion at this time.

· Boston Globe

· Greentech Media

· The Tech

Francophonie 2010 (1/3): Diffusion de Home (Ursula Meier), French Library of Boston

Pour lancer les activités de la Quinzaine de la Francophonie 2010, La French Library/Alliance française de Boston en collaboration avec swissnex Boston a diffusé le film Home, réalisé en 2008 par la Suissesse Ursula Meier. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans une série d’activités culturelles dédiées à la Suisse organiseés par la French Library, qui accueille par ailleurs durant tout le mois de mars l’exposition Listening to these walls du photographe fribourgeois Christian Waeber.

Grand succès du cinéma helvétique, Home a notamment reçu le Prix du Cinéma Suisse 2009

Launching the Celebration of the Francophonie 2010, The French Library of Boston in partnership with swissnex Boston showed the film Home (2008) by the Swiss director Ursula Meier. The film screening is part of series of cultural events promoting Switzerland at the French Library. The library will hosts the exhibit of the Swiss Photographer Christian Waeber “Listening To These Walls" until the end of March.

Blockbuster in Switzerland, Home got among others the award of the Best Fiction Film at the Swiss Film Prize 2009

Strategic Paths to the Future Energy System

Given the ramifications of carbonization and climate change in an increasingly mobile and industrialized world, what will power the Earth of tomorrow?

According to Prof. Konstantinos Boulouchos, an expert on Swiss energy strategy, electricity is the backbone of future energy systems. Prof. Boulouchos was speaking at a breakfast roundtable on “Transformation Paths for the Swiss Energy System in the Context of Climate Change” at swissnex Boston on March 10.

Prof. Boulouchos explored strategies towards decarbonization, such as the “Four Rs”: Replacing, Recycling, Reducing and Removing carbon energy. Strategic climate-relevant goals, he said, can only be met by utilizing the flexible portfolio of electricity’s inputs (sources) and outputs.

Twenty energy experts and researchers attended the interactive session, including representatives from MA Clean Energy Center, MA Clean Technology Transfer Center, City of Boston, Cambridge City Council, Venture Capital Companies, MIT Energy Initiative, MIT Energy Club, Harvard Business School, and Cleantech Companies from the Boston area.

Prof. Boulouchos has co-authored 120 publications and established the research group on unsteady combustion at the Institute of Energy Technology, Switzerland. A former Visiting Scientist at Princeton University, he is now Full Professor and head of the Aerothermochemistry and Combustion Systems Laboratory at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ).

swissnex Boston will continue the discussion around the energy topic during the year. One of the focus areas will be the aspect of “Green Jobs” and how Switzerland and the U.S. approach this topic.

For more information:

Prof. Konstantinos Boulouchos’ biography

Presentation “Strategic Paths to the Future Energy System”

EXPERTS DEBATE SWISS HEALTHCARE MODEL AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL FORUM

The Consulate-swissnex Boston, supporter of the STEP for Bulgaria Foundation

The Bulgarian-American Center organized a fundraiser for the Step for BulgariaFoundation.STEP for Bulgaria is a youth organization that implements innovative youth initiatives aiming at Bulgaria's human, cultural, natural and economic potential. The result was a marvelous success: $1200 raised for the STEP Bulgaria 2010 Summer Academy! Emil Wyss from the Consulate-swissnex Boston attended the event and provided a funding match on behalf of swissnex Boston for the first $500 gathered at the event. Step for Bulgaria volunteers from last summer shared with the guests their experiences. Step for Bulgaria was founded by a former intern of the Consulate-swissnex Boston, Evgenia Peeva. More info: http://stepforbulgaria.org/en/

The Swiss Bakers celebrated their successful first year in business

The Swiss Bakers in Reading MA celebrated their successful first year in business.

Swiss Bakers is owned by Helen and Thomas Stohr. They already catered over 60 events with style and a high sense of Swiss quality for the Consulate-swissnex Boston.

Peter Hechenbleikner, Deputy Swiss Consul Emil Wyss, and Helen Stohr

What does Lumbrein (GR) and Providence (RI) have in common?

Nothing obvious at first sight… but there are two architects who are excited about collaboration that fosters the exchange between Swiss and American students in Architecture.

Chris Bardt, Rhode Island School of Design, Ramun Capaul and Daniel Walser, HTW Chur observed the students enthusiasm when it comes to solve architectural challenges of a small municipality like Lumbrein in Grisons Switzerland. How can a village like Lumbrein sustain in the 21 century, when its very own inhabitants leave and second home owners take over? What does “go g-local” mean when it comes to architecture? These and other questions where addressed during various studios and study trips.

After supporting the initiative on different levels from the very beginning, swissnex Boston brainstormed with Chris and Ramun on how to bring the transatlantic collaboration to the next level. To learn more about some exciting ideas check out the project “spazi Art e Cultura”.

Brainstorming with RedCut, the company behind Helvetiq!

RedCut is a swiss start-up company providing games and nation branding products.

Its flagship product platform is named Helvetiq. It lets you rack up knowledge about Switzerland while having fun. It ranges from an iPhone game app to a red cardboard game box bearing the swiss flag.  The company serves the game market as well as cities and countries for their branding efforts. RedCut is making inroads in additional countries in Europe and North America.  

"Swissnex enabled us to brainstorm with Fletcher school students, a couple of boston-based swiss postdocs and the Swissnex team members themselves. During a short and focused session, participants brought greatly appreciated insights and perspectives. We were able to generate a long list of ideas for growth. We are now taking these ideas further to evaluate and enhance our company's growth strategy. This session was of great value to us. It showed the power of brainstorming and the value of Swissnex. We hope to do it again."

swissnex connects Young Talent Markus Taussig with Oikos International

swissnex connected me with an exciting and rapidly growing organization called Oikos, which is dedicated to promoting the socially beneficial side of business and finance. Thanks to swissnex's funding, I spent a week in the Swiss Alps exchanging ideas with other like-minded researchers from Europe, Asia, and the US.

Swiss Valentine Cookies at HLS International Fair!

On Saturday, February 13th, the traditional International Party took place at Harvard Law School, where the school's international community -- 165 students from 62 countries -- presented a mix of cultural traditions from all over the world. In addition to live performances on stage, many countries were represented by a table, where the more than 500 visitors could taste local food or experience the country's cultural and touristic highlights. The Swiss table, sponsored by Swissnex Boston, offered chocolate, Swiss "Zopf" and Valentine's cookies in addition to a quiz where visitors could show their knowledge of Switzerland and win, among others, a Swiss watch.

2010 World Economic Forum Debriefing: “Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild”

Followers of the World Economic Forum (WEF) that took place last January in Davos, Switzerland, had many questions about the annual event and sought answers at swissnex Boston on February 9.

Moderated by Senior Advisor of the USA’s Leadership Team to the WEF Paul Smyke, a panel assembled to give insight into the workings and outcomes of this year’s meeting through a spirited Q&A with around 80 guests. Experts with different background included Alex Pentland, Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at MIT Media Lab; Elisabet de los Pinos, Co-founder and CEO of Aura Biosciences Inc.; and Dan Shapiro, Director of Harvard’s International Negotiation Program who narrated his experience of team exercises at the Davos forum. In a microcosm of current global geo-political trends, he noted that differences in values as well as competition among states preclude real progress.

Both panelists and guests were optimistic on the outcome of this year’s forum, particularly with the appropriateness of its theme to rethink, redesign and rebuild given the world’s changing economic successes. However, they also noted improvements they hope to see, including greater participation by women at Davos, and overcoming the language barrier, which affects WEF participation.

Regarding innovation and entrepreneurship, Elisabet del los Pinos suggested a shift in entrepreneurial focus away from return on investment. Positioning her statement amid the global economic slump, she noted: “The best time to start up a company is in times of crisis, offering not just jobs but innovation as well.”

Amid an array of hors d’oeuvres, panelists mingled with guests afterwards in more informal Q&A sessions.

Interview: Interview with Paul Smyke, Senior Advisor World Economic Forum USA Leadership Team

Students from EPFL represent Italy and the Republic of Congo

Students from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, EPFL, represent Italy and the Republic of Congo at the Harvard National Model United Nations Conference

Edimer: Switzerland-based Company successful in the Boston Area

Edimer Biotech S.A. is a Switzerland-based biotechnology start-up that develops therapeutics for treatment of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (XLHED), a genetic disease. The company went through the coaching process of the Innovation Promotion Agency CTI and received the prestigious CTI Start-up ’Label’ in 2009.

We are delighted to announce that recently, the Boston-based venture firm “Third Rock Ventures” financed the U.S. site of the company with Series A financing in the amount of over 20 million dollars. The U.S. company is now located in Kendall Square and company officials say that the funding they got will last through approval of the drug target.

Healthcare 2.0: Focus on nurses

Perhaps the chief political issue gripping the nation for the past year has been President Barack Obama’s proposed reform of the healthcare system. With this in mind, swissnex Boston assembled a panel of experts from Switzerland and the USA in front of a packed house.

Speakers included: Former Director of the Federal Office of Public Health Thomas Zeltner; Professor at HECVSante Beatrice Despland; Boston College’s Dean of the William F. Connell School of Nursing Susan Gennaro; Professor of Nursing at HEdS La Source Blaise Guinchard; and Associate Chief Nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital Theresa Gallivan.

Speakers explored and compared the healthcare systems of both countries to propose the most effective ways of “Inventing the Healthcare System of the Future,” particularly as these related to nursing. They concurred that any healthcare reform must be approached systematically and continually rather than individually and drastically. They also reasoned that there must be a focus not only on educating and hiring more nurses to buttress the nation’s hospitals, but also on recognizing the quality of nurses’ output and improving their workplaces.

Following the presentations and a short Q&A with the audience, swissnex Boston hosted all of the guests in a networking reception. While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and wine, guests interacted one-on-one with the speakers the evening’s knowledge exchange on this burning topic of nursing and healthcare reform augmenting.

swissnex Boston shows the way to a European career

Are students interested in science and technology careers in Europe? The scores that turned out for swissnex Boston’s Career Opportunity Networking Reception and the hundreds at MIT’s European Career Fair (ECF) on January 29 and 30 respectively showed that they were.

What began 14 years ago as MIT European Club’s promotion of Europe as the ideal setting in which to pursue a profession in industrial research, academia or science policy has grown into a staple on the student calendar in the Boston area—and beyond. Students and researchers journeyed from as far as Pennsylvania and Illinois to find out about careers in Europe.

Among the 130 organizations were universities and research centers like Delft University of Technology and European Research Council. Companies ranged from Orange and VW to Continental and Procter and Gamble.

Swissnex Boston was on hand to illustrate the Swiss science and technology industry among a ready pool of students and researchers. Complementing these efforts, its booth was flanked by Novartis; ABB; Holcim; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH); and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)—taking up an entire wall at MIT’s Johnson Athletics Center.

More info:open jobs at Universities

These Swiss companies and universities were also available to around 100 students in a more intimate setting the night before the ECF. At its 420 Broadway office, swissnex Boston hosted a Career Opportunity Networking Reception on January 29. Students from schools across New England and as far away as New York City were eager to discover Switzerland’s career and research opportunities.

The evening featured visual presentations from all of the organizations, including fascinating video overviews of prospects in science and technology. While dining on a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres, students were then able to chat one-on-one with organization representatives. Lasting until well after 9 pm, awareness of Swiss career and research opportunities flourished among the audience, who left with the image of a country rich in possibilities.

European Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop

Preceding the ECF was the 2nd European Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshop, where swissnex Boston played an interesting role.

How to get the attention your company needs – Social media breakfast

Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, rich with history and culture. Additionally, the city is home to many of the founding fathers of social media, making Boston a fabulous place to learn all about its use and impact.

The focus of the Social Media Breakfast Boston was on “How do you get the attention your company needs to grow and reach its business goals?” The event at the Microsoft Nerd center is designed to help entrepreneurs make the important decisions needed to launch their brand, product or service and to learn about how the initial “social” in “social media” has evolved from a communication tool to a full-fledged marketing and business management philosophy.

How swissnex Boston connects entrepreneurs - Starmind Harvard group founded

The first contact between swissnex Boston and Starmind.com, a young company from Switzerland, was established in December 2009. Starmind connects outstanding people and talents around the globe to challenge them with real-world problems that private industry, science and individuals face. Expanding Starmind’s fast growing international network to the US market seemed difficult at first. Thanks to a conversation between Jacqueline Gasser-Beck, Advisor Education and Academic Affairs, Pascal Marmier, Director and Consul at swissnex Boston and Pascal Kaufmann, CEO and founder of Starmind.com a local team in Boston could be installed in less than 2 months.

Swissnex Model - inspiration and best practice

swissnex Boston was pleased to welcome two delegations from our German speaking neighboring countries. Philipp Marxgut, Science and Technology Advisor to Austria in Washington DC and Anke Lischeid Science Councilor at the German General Consulate in Boston, invited their respective colleagues Melanie Csida, Stefan Eichberger from Brainpower Austria (located in Vienna), Beatrix Wegner form the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to visit swissnex while staying in Boston. Our guests run similar networks in their home countries and were highly interested to learn more about the unique concept of the private-public partnership that empowers swissnex. We look forward to collaborate with Brainpower Austria as well as with the German Center for Research & Innovation soon to be officially opened in New York.

Wishes for a ‘New Beginning’ mark milestone year for swissnex Boston

On January 20, 2010 swissnex Boston’s more than 200 partners, sponsors, associates, friends, and special guest Swiss Ambassador to Canada Werner Baumann celebrated “New Beginnings” with a festive reception, ushering in the Consulate’s tenth year. From the never-ending sushi bar to the dessert room—literally a room-full of desserts—guests indulged in quintessential Swiss hospitality.

Marking the imminent anniversary on October 10, 2010, guests also shared their wishes for swissnex and the world for the next ten years through an unusual exercise.

Earlier in the day, the children of swissnex Boston’s friends and partners enjoyed their own event with science workshops, cookies and hot chocolate. In the craft room, they ornamented paper snowflakes.

The swissnex office was then decorated with hundreds of these snowflakes, on which guests penned their wishes. These included relief aid for Haiti and other underdeveloped States and a positive outcome to the Copenhagen summit on climate change. The guests could win a trip to Switzerland sponsored by Swiss International Airlines, a Mondaine Wall Clock, a Complimentary One Night Stay in a Luxury Garden View Suite at the TAJ Boston, and Swissbäkers Gift card.

Visit of Rico Baldegger, School of Business Administration Fribourg

Professor of Entrepreneurship at the School of Business Administration in Fribourg, Rico Baldegger is currently working on a new program that aims to help young Swiss entrepreneurs to enter the US cleantech market. swissnex Boston organized a few meetings with entrepreneurs, consultants and investors of the local cleantech scene in order to provided him with an overview of the challenges for the Swiss companies that plan to launch operations in the US. Rico also met Karl Jessen, the Director of Cluster Development at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

SwissNex Event: Global Post

Video:

SwissNex Event: Global Post

The Consulate-swissnex Boston contributes $ 1,200 for victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti

The Consulate-swissnex Boston contributes $ 1,200 for victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The amount was transferred to Swiss Solidarity.

Swiss Solidarity and its partner relief organizations have already released 2.5 million Swiss Francs for emergency relief in Haiti.

Deutschschprachiger Besuch vom MIT

Im Rahmen des MIT Deutschunterrichts bei Ellen Crocker, haben einige ihrer StudentInnen am 15. Januar 2010 einen Besuch auf dem Schweizer Konsulat-swissnex Boston abgestattet.

Die StudentInnen interessierten sich für die Schweiz, für swissnex Boston und für die Projektarbeit der einzelnen MitarbeiterInnen. Seitens swissnex Boston standen der stellvertretende Konsul, die Beraterin für Ausbildung und akademische Fragen sowie eine Praktikantin aus der Schweiz Rede und Antwort. Besonders im Mittelpunkt waren Fragen des interkulturellen Zusammenlebens, der Mehrsprachigkeit, die Position der Schweiz in Europa und die Ergebnisse der letzten Volksabstimmung.

Switzerland Essay Contest – Newman School Boston

This past fall 2009, swissnex held a high school essay contest for students in the Boston area. Three students, Sheng Bi, Jessica Mac Neil and Nick Frasso, from Brad Riggs’ expository writing class at the Newman School submitted essays on holidays, health care, and peace in Switzerland. For their participation, they received a gift bag with chocolates, books, and other Swiss memorabilia. Jessica Mac Neil and Nick Frasso are pictured here with Brad Riggs; Sheng Bi has returned to China. 

Text and photo: Beth Boorman

Local Part Time Internship, Beth Boorman, Northeastern University, Boston

In August 2009, I started my part time interning at swissnex Boston. As a political science and international affairs student at Northeastern, I was immediately excited when Jacqueline mentioned swissnex had room for a local intern. Not only did I learn a lot about Switzerland but I also discovered this new and innovative style of diplomacy. This experience has not only given me valuable professional experience, but has broadened my perspective of different styles of connecting with people that I will use as I start my career.

While interning for swissnex in the summer, I was given the opportunity to work on exciting projects and events. While working with Jacqueline, the Advisor for Education, I assisted her in partnering American and Swiss universities so that they could work together so their students and professors can broaden their perspectives. This was interesting for me as I learned the Swiss university system and specific colleges while using knowledge from being American.

During the fall semester, I worked with Emil, the Deputy Consul, to plan a brainstorming session to explore how the Consulate will look in 2020. This was an exciting project to work on because it was an interesting topic and it needed careful planning. For the event I was able to choose the music, gifts, articles to be distributed as well as write letters and emails to the participants. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work because it will help me in my future career in planning events.

I also started an essay contest for high school students in the Greater Boston area. This was fun to talk to students and teachers and give them information to learn about various topics such as healthcare, transportation, innovation, and more to compare and contrast the US and Switzerland.

Working for swissnex has broadened my knowledge not only of the country itself, but of new and innovative methods of diplomacy. I learned the importance of personalized contact and hospitality as well as creative approaches to projects and events in diplomacy and will use this knowledge as I further my studies and begin my career. 

Text and photo: Beth Boorman

Douglas Sears received the 2009 Stratton Prize for Intercultural Achievement

Douglas Sears, Boston University associate Provost and assistant to the President for outreach and special initiatives, received the 2009 Stratton Prize for Intercultural Achievement from the Friends of Switzerland.

The prize is awarded to American or Swiss citizens who facilitate an international flow of ideas and technology. A committee of Stratton laureates awards the prize, which was instituted in 1966.

The foundation sends American students to Switzerland and Swiss students to the United States to learn about cultural similarities and differences.

“We want an accurate understanding of each country inside the other country,” says Sears. “The stereotype of the Swiss is numbered bank accounts, chocolate, and watches, but they are also a leading producer of Nobel prizes in physics.”

“I thought hearing all those nice words would spoil my character,” Sears said after the award ceremony, “but I was happy to hear them anyway.”

swissnex Boston Day Lighting Case Study at MIT December 3rd 2009

The Day lighting course is taught at MIT during the Fall semester 2009 by Marilyne Andersen, a faculty member of the Building Technology Program in the Department of Architecture. This course aims at providing the tools necessary for an efficient integration of day lighting issues in the overall design process of a building.

By getting familiar with the factors and quantities involved in a given (day)lighting situation, students are able to assess it in different ways (visual assessment, experimental survey, calculations or computer simulations) and to propose advanced (day)lighting strategies to improve it, a knowledge they apply to the analysis and (re)design project of an existing building.

This year, the outcomes of this design project will be exhibited in the Wolk Gallery at MIT (inauguration on April 27, 2010) for an exhibition organized in collaboration with and sponsored by swissnex Boston, entitled: 'Delight in Greener Daylight - A Class Perspective on Façade Renovation'.

As part of their design project for this class, eighteen students worked in teams of three to four to each analyze a designated portion of the recent second floor extension to the Swissnex building in Cambridge MA from a day lighting perspective, focusing on visual and thermal comfort (glare, illumination, overheating risks), ensuing energy requirements and visual interest of the spaces. They took measurements in situ, proposed improvement objectives, then validated a first design proposal through scale model measurements, and a second iteration through simulation methods. They presented this process and their results on December 3, 2009 at MIT to a panel of design and building technology faculty that also included the Swiss Consul, Deputy Consul and Counselor for Science and Technology from the Swiss Embassy in Washington DC.

Swiss Graduate Student Christina Alfirev’s Boston Experience