New funding opportunities by University of Fribourg

The University of Fribourg has announced new grants for researchers and students, including Master and PhD students as well as Post-docs. The scholarships are offered to foreign students, living abroad, who would like to undertake a research stay at the University of Fribourg for a semester.

The application deadline for the Fall semester is 28 February 2012, and September 2012 for the Spring semester 2013.

For further information, click here.

Language courses for adults

The International School of Boston (ISB) is proud to offer language courses for adults in the 2011-2012 School Year.  ISB shares its nearly 50 years of experience in language instruction with the School’s parents and other members of its community, as well as other interested adults.

These language courses provide the opportunity for some people to discover a language, for others to perfect their language skills and for others to simply better follow their children's studies.  The courses are taught by experienced teachers and take place at the International School of Boston (Cambridge campus).

Our small class sizes allow us to create custom-made classes, at a very attractive price.

The use of a multimedia approach will benefit your own learning style, in a fun and international environment.

The courses include French (all levels), English, Mandarin, Greek and Italian. The Winter session will begin mid-January.

Come join us in our classes and you will become part of an international community of over 40 different nationalities!

For more information, Pascal Lepesqueux (program coordinator) at plepesqueux@isbos.org

Think Swiss Research Scholarship 2012

Think Swiss Research Scholarship 2012, Summary More...

From Lausanne to Boston

LausanneToBoston.com is a student blog by students coming from EPFL(Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) in Lausanne, Switzerland to study in Boston, USA for a semester or more. It's a place to share our experiences with friends and family but also for any other students coming to Boston for the first time. You should expect to find personal stories as well as exciting science, we will take you into our labs and show you what we do. It's mostly bio-engineering, tinkering with the stuff of life, and this includes everything from material science to computer programing.

Reforming from Within

The Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard
Study Group on Crisis and Reform in
European Higher Education

Please join us for a talk on the process of university reform and modernization in Germany, based on the speaker’s experience advising the Leuphana University as it has undergone a much touted process of renovation followed by a discussion of European university reform in comparative perspective. For more on the Leuphana reform, click here.

Reforming from Within: Lessons of Institutional Transformation
in the German University System

Camillo von Müller
Assistant Professor of Management, St. Gallen University

Discussant: Cornelia Woll
CES Visiting Scholar and Professor and Dean of Research, Sciences-Po, Paris

Tuesday, November 29th
4:15 – 6:00 PM
Center for European Studies
27 Kirkland St. Cambridge, 02138
Goldman Room

Ap'euro

This month, we are taking our classic monthly Apéro to the European level! We are proudly partnering with Europeans in Boston to give all Europe-loving people an opportunity to come together and socialize in our cozy ballroom, with complimentary wine and cheese!

About L'Apéro (short for l'apéritif)
(n) désigne le moment de convivialité où des personnes se retrouvent pour discuter.
(noun) a friendly get-together where people enjoy libations and conversations.

Admission is $10 for everybody. 21+ only.

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
At The French Cultural Center

Absinthe: taste the myth

Absinthe: was it ambrosia or poison, artistic muse or ticket to madness and death?

We will find out on December 13th, as we watch the film Absinthe and share our views with director Chris Buddy over a glass of Lucid, Jade, and Nouvelle Orleans...

The documentary Absinthe brings the Green Fairy out of her clouded past where, for one hundred years, her fabled effects and demonized reputation have elicited equal doses of admiration and loathing. The film traces absinthe’s arc from its birth in Switzerland in 1787, through its rise in the chic cafés of Belle Époque Paris, to its prohibition, and its recent worldwide revival. Its story is put in high relief through interviews with leading historians, authors, distillers, antiques collectors, and fanatics.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Absinthe's director Chris Buddy and an absinthe reception, sponsored by Lucid.

Screening to begin promptly at 6:45pm, please arrive early. Event is 21+ only.

Tuesday, Dec 13, 2011
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
At The French Cultural Center
Member Price: $15.00
Non-Member Price: $20.00
RSVP Required (call 617-912-0400)
This event is presented in English.

Diplomacy meets Science in Boston

Nations have long relied on scientific achievement as a powerful tool with which to build prestige. From France’s unveiling of the Eiffel Tower at the 1889 World Expo to the USSR’s launch of Sputnik in 1957, from the German autobahn to the Japanese bullet train, nations have signaled their dynamism to foreign publics with symbols of scientific prowess. Along with cultural riches, educational and athletic achievements, and strong values, advancements in science are one of the most widely accepted signifiers of “soft power.” In today’s globalized world, smaller yet highly developed nations are turning to “science diplomacy” as a tactic of choice.

more ...

CITIZEN 2.0

How social media can improve communication between citizens and government? Download and read Hadi Barkat and Pierre Dorsaz's paper here: www.citizen20.ch

Celebrate Québec and France

Traditionally, the Taste of France series showcases regional French cuisines, but this year FACCNE steps back to these shores to discover the culinary influences on our neighbors to the north. In cooperation with the Quebec Delegation of Boston, this year's festival is expected to draw 400+ attendees.

For more details click here.

Conference UNESCO Chair Technologies for Development

2012 International Conference
TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A WAY TO REDUCE POVERTY?
May 29-31, 2012 | EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: DEADLINE DECEMBER 15, 2011
http://cooperation.epfl.ch/2012Tech4Dev

As a UNESCO Chair in Technologies for Development, the Cooperation and Development Center (CODEV) will host an international conference concerning Technologies for Sustainable Development: A Way to Reduce Poverty? at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland on 29-31 May, 2012.  The UNESCO Chair intends this to be a key international event that will bring researchers and practitioners together to bridge the gap between the two communities, focusing on collaboration, methodologies, instruments and policies that will lead to integrated and sustainable development with developing and emerging countries.  The Chair encourages submission of abstracts which explore the following themes:

Theme 1:            “Appropriate Technology”? Needs and Participation
Theme 2:            Towards a Sustainable Integrated Development? Partnership and Systems
Theme3:            Technology: Transfer or Co-Creation? Knowledge Sharing and Empowerment

In principle, whilst abstracts should focus on the four main research sectors of the Chair, the list below is not exhaustive. Consequently, any contributions dealing with sustainable development related to the generic themes of the conference are also welcome.

•             Technologies for sustainable development of habitat and cities
•             Information and communication technologies for the environment
•             Science and technology for disaster risk reduction
•             Technologies for sustainable energy production

Abstracts should be submitted before 15 December 2011. Abstracts will be peer reviewed and decision will be sent by 15 January 2012.  Deadline for full paper submission by 29 February, 2012. A selection of the best papers presented at the conference will be subject to a further peer-review for publication in an edited volume by Springer-Verlag.

The Chair also recognizes that financial/cost constraints prevent many researchers and practitioners from developing and/or emerging countries to be able to participate. To help alleviate this constraint, the Chair may award some financial assistance to support attendance and travel needs of candidates whose abstracts have been selected and who are scheduled to present their work at the conference. Conditions and application process can be found at http://cooperation.epfl.ch/2012Tech4Dev/Financial-Support

Abstracts can only be submitted online according to instructions, guidelines and template provided at http://cooperation.epfl.ch/2012Tech4Dev/Call-for-Abstracts. Authors are requested to abide to these guidelines.

Registration for the conference itself will open mid-November 2011.

Part-Time Executive Education Program in Renewable Energy Management (REM-HSG)

Energy markets around the world are undergoing a fundamental transition. The emerging renewable energy industry is characterized by double-digit growth rates, but both energy incumbents and new entrants are also facing several economic and regulatory risks. The University of St. Gallen, one of Europe's leading business schools, is now offering a unique executive education program that helps entrepreneurs, managers and investors understand the risks and empowers them to grasp the opportunities of the new energy markets. By combining St. Gallen's established track record in world-class executive education with the unique expertise and network of the University's Good Energies Chair for Management of Renewable Energies, the program opens a wealth of opportunities for its participants. More information is available at http://www.es.unisg.ch/rem, the deadline for applications for the 2012 edition of the course is November 15, 2011.

TOP 100: Presenting Switzerland’s best startups

Small country, enormous potential. Switzerland once again demonstrates constant innovation – even in the world of startups. But which are the best emerging companies, the ones Switzerland is pinning its hopes on to spread Swiss innovation throughout the world? This question was posed to 100 sector experts. From their responses, the entrepreneurial promoter IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen collaborated with the editorial offices of Journalistenbüro Niedermann GmbH to assemble a list that represents a snapshot of today’s TOP 100 startups in Switzerland.

Switzerland is experiencing a boom in people starting new companies. Each year, approximately 35,000 enterprises are launched in Switzerland, and this year a record number of startups is expected. This development didn’t happen by accident. Even from an international perspective, Switzerland ranks high on many lists as a competitive country and a leader in innovation. But which of these promising new companies will soon be causing a sensation around the world – or are already doing so?

Read more ...

Language courses for adults

ENGLISH

The International School of Boston (ISB) is proud to offer language courses for adults in the 2011-2012 School Year.  ISB shares its nearly 50 years of experience in language instruction with the School’s parents and other members of its community, as well as other interested adults.

These language courses provide the opportunity for some people to discover a language, for others to perfect their language skills and for others to simply better follow their children's studies.  The courses are taught by experienced teachers and take place at the International School of Boston (Cambridge campus).

Our small class sizes allow us to create custom-made classes, at a very attractive price.

The use of a multimedia approach will benefit your own learning style, in a fun and international environment.

The courses include French (all levels), English, Japanese, and Italian. The Fall session should begin mid-September.

Come join us in our classes and you will become part of an international community of over 40 different nationalities!

For more information, Pascal Lepesqueux (program coordinator) at plepesqueux@isbos.org

FRENCH

L'Ecole Internationale de Boston (EIB) est fière de vous annoncer l'ouverture de ses cours de langues pour adultes pour l’annee scolaire 2011-2012.

Forte d’une expérience de près de 50 ans dans l'enseignement des langues, l'EIB veut faire profiter de son expertise à tous les adultes: parents de l'Ecole, autres membres de la communauté ou toutes autres personnes intéressées.

Ces cours de langues sont l'occasion pour certains de découvrir une langue, pour d'autres de se perfectionner ou simplement de mieux suivre la scolarité de leurs enfants.

Les cours sont assurés par des enseignants expérimentés et ont lieu dans les locaux de l'EIB à Cambridge.

La petite taille de nos classes permet à nos professeurs de vous offrir un enseignement adapté au plus près de vos besoins et à un prix très attractif.

Notre approche multimedia convient parfaitement à tout type d'apprentissage, dans un environnement international et sympathique.

Les langues proposées ce trimestre sont le français et  l'anglais (tous niveaux), le japonais et l'italien. Les cours commenceront à la mi-Septembre.

Rejoindre nos cours de langues pour adultes s’est aussi rejoindre une communauté internationale forte de plus de 40 nationalités !

Pour toutes questions, n'hésitez pas à prendre contact avec le coordinateur des cours pour adultes, Pascal Lepesqueux: plepesqueux@isbos.org

University of Bern offers Master Grants for international students for 2012/13

The University of Bern is offering six Master Grants for the academic year 2012/13 for excellent international students.

The grant consists of 1'600 CHF per month for the duration of the Master's program (standard period of study).

Application files will be examined by a selection committee. Criteria for selection are based on academic excellence and the candidate's potential and motivation.

For more information on the Grants, click HERE.

To receive an overview of all Master programs offered by the University of Bern, click HERE.

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

ETH Zurich is a science and technology university with an outstanding research record and is regularly ranked among the top universities in Europe. It provides a highly stimulating work environment and a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure. The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers an excellent opportunity for young researchers to acquire new skills and competencies, boosting their careers and helping to attain an independent senior position.

The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports incoming fellowships for postdoctoral researchers at the ETH Zurich. The program is intended to foster high-potential, young researchers, who have already demonstrated excellence in terms of internationally competitive achievements in the early stages of their professional careers. Applications have to be made jointly by the candidate and their host who must be an ETH Zurich Professor and who will act as a mentor to the fellow. The duration of an ETH Fellowship is between one year and a maximum of two years.

Read more.

Université d’automne des acteurs politiques suisses

Madame, Monsieur, Nous avons le plaisir de vous informer que l'Institut de hautes études en administration publique (IDHEAP) et l'Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID) lancent pour la deuxième année consécutive l’Université d’automne des acteurs politiques suisses.  Ce programme de formation est destiné à la relève politique aux niveaux fédéral, cantonal ou communal. Il vise à offrir à ses participants des grilles d’analyse des enjeux de politiques nationales et internationales ainsi que des compétences leur permettant d’être des acteurs encore plus actifs et efficaces. La formation sera dispensée à Lausanne et à Genève par des personnalités du monde académique et politique sous la forme de 5 modules de deux jours (vendredi-samedi) de fin septembre à début novembre 2011  Des informations supplémentaires ainsi que le formulaire d’inscription en ligne sont disponibles en cliquant sur le lien: www.idheap.ch/université d'automne.  Le nombre de places étant limité, nous conseillons aux personnes intéressées de s’inscrire au plus tôt.  Dans l’attente du plaisir de vous accueillir nous restons à votre entière disposition pour de plus amples informations et vous adressons nos salutations les meilleures. Prof. Katia Horber-Papazian, responsable de la formation pour l’IDHEAP Prof. Cédric Dupond, responsable de la formation pour l’HEID   Information only available in French and German.

WANTED: ART AND TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTORS AND DEVELOPERS

Build-It-Yourself is a playful, art and engineering, after-school program inspired by research at the MIT Media Lab. 

We seek computer illustrators and engineers to teach art and technology workshops part time to kids ages 8 - 18. We are especially interested in 'gamers' who have the illustration and/or technical skills to also join our development team.   Entry level compensation is $10-$12/hr with a bonus if we meet certain goals.

Please send a short email to john@build-it-yourself.com that describes how your interests and our program intersect.

Builders rule ....

Swiss entrepreneur Stephane Doutriaux of Poken will present at MIT Enterprise Forum

Join us at the upcoming MIT Enterprise Forum event on Monday, 23 May from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the MIT Stata Center (Room 123) in Cambridge, Mass. to learn about the latest opportunities for developers and merchants to create engaging mobile content that takes advantage of near-field communication (NFC).

Schedule of events:

• Pre-session for NFC developers (5:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
  • Create your NFC applications using Qt. This hands-on tutorial will be led by Mark Hatch, CEO at ICS.

NOTE: During the pre-session, there will be 3 NFC-enabled Nokia Astound given away during a raffle.

There will be a short break for networking and light refreshments (6:00 pm – 6:30 pm).

• NFC apps presentations and panel discussion (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm):
  • Stephane Doutriaux, CEO,  Poken; NFC Social Networking application
  • Srini Devadas, CTO,  Verayo , biometric NFC Tags for loyalty and retail
  • Hajo Hanse,  DSM Group: NFC Pill monitoring, healthcare and wellness
  • JC Raynon, Sr. Director, Global NFC Product Management VeriFone: Mobile Couponing apps
  • Moderator: Nick Holland, Senior Analyst, Yankee Group

The panel discussion will feature a debate between application developers and key ecosystem actors Microsoft, Nokia, VeriFone, and NXP, moderated by Yankee Group, including:

• Damien Balsan, Director, NFC Business Development, Nokia

• Jeff Miles, director for Mobile Transactions at NXP

• Nick Holland, Senior Analyst,  Yankee Group on NFC Beyond Payment

• David Talach, VP Business Development,  VeriFone

• Mike Werner, Senior Platform Strategy Advisor, Cloud Computing at Microsoft Corporation

• Srini Devadas, CTO,  Verayo and MIT CSAIL Professor

T-Mobile will be featuring the Nokia Astound, the newest device in their lineup. T-Mobile business mobility representatives will be available during the event to demonstrate the product and provide purchasing information.

Then, stick around for more networking opportunities – plus, an open bar – in the R&D Pub, 4th Floor of the Stata Center. In attendance will be T-Mobile to showcase the new Nokia Astound which is an NFC enabled handset available now.

Register for the NFC event at the MIT Enterprise Forum

Announcing the launch of a great institute for Entrepreneurship In Switzerland

The Institute for Entrepreneurship & SME is a department of the University of Applied Sciences Fribourg and has made itself a name as one of the leading Swiss institutions for research and teaching in management and entrepreneurship. Activities of the Institute are organized around defined centers of interest: entrepreneurial process, growth & internationalization, family business & succession, and corporate entrepreneurship.                                                                           

The website of the institute aims to be the center of all information and access regarding entrepreneurship at the Institute:

• The master program (benefits at a glance, master program overview, people)
• Events list about the latest business trends and innovations
• Research publications (GEM, SIES, GUESSS, YES and others)
• Social media (Blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Slideshare, Flick, Xing, LinkedIn)

Call for Application - ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships 2011

We are pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2011 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships! For the fifth consecutive year ThinkSwiss will select 15 talented and motivated students enrolled at U.S. universities from all fields of study who apply for a research project at a Swiss university or research lab. The awardees will receive a monthly stipend of $1000 for a period of up to three months. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2011. 

Read FAQs here.

Apart from the Research Scholarship, ThinkSwiss also supports U.S. students with travel grants to attend selected Swiss Summer Schools. More details about this program and the selected summer schools for 2011 are published on our website www.thinkswiss.org.

The ThinkSwiss program is your opportunity to get involved with Switzerland - a global, knowledge-based country, full of talent, high-tech opportunities, and creativity!

Please circulate this information to all undergraduate and graduate students at your institute who might be interested. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us at was.science@eda.admin.ch.

The ThinkSwiss program is under the auspices of the Swiss Confederation.

 

 
Copyright © 2011 Embassy of Switzerland. All Rights Reserved.

Want to hire an EPFL graduate student for an internship?