CHIMIA Issue 5/2018 is available as open access issue
To establish and underline the partnership with the Swiss Chemical Society and to push the open access approach in publishing, MDPI sponsored the whole CHIMIA issue 5/2018 and make it available for free. You can download the full PDF issue by clicking on the link below:
MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, www.mdpi.com) is an open access publishing house based in Basel, Switzerland with roots in Swiss chemical research. The chemistry roots are still reflected in the MDPI logo.
Dr. Shu-Kun Lin, President of MDPI, reported to us about the beginning of MDPI and it's development in the last 20 years:
Having previously received my doctorate in organic chemistry from ETH Zurich, in 1996 I founded the Swiss Verein MDPI (Molecular Diversity Preservation International) to preserve rare chemical samples that were being thrown away from retiring chemists’ laboratories. Our first journal Molecules was launched in 1996 as a free online journal to support the chemical samples collection and distribution. The publishing side was a forerunner of what has become known as open access (OA). Over 190 journals have been launched to date, with a portfolio expanded from chemistry to cover all major disciplines. In 2017 we published over 35,000 articles, of which 60% are chemistry and materials science, including in the well-established journals Molecules, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Materials, and Polymers. We are not alone in Switzerland: Frontiers (www.frontiersin. org), another OA publisher, publishes several well-known biomedical journals.
When I was a chemistry graduate student in Zurich, I heard stories about fast publishing in Helvetica Chimica Acta and my PhD work was also published there very quickly in two papers from 1991 and 1992. At MDPI, we seek to run fast, simple and efficient processes. We aim to allow the latest research results to be published and made available to research communities as soon as possible, frequently with less than 40 days from submission to publication. The concept of sustainability underpins much of what we do. Our journal Sustainability covers sustainable chemistry topics. The publication of research results is still complemented by voluntary deposit of samples (for Molecules and Molbank).
Looking to the future, open access is firmly establishing itself, although it may take different forms in the coming years. We live in exciting times, with significant moves on a global scale towards embracing of open access model. We have recently seen the implementation of national payment systems to replace article processing charges, the emergence of preprints to make work available before peer-review, and increasing discussions around open science and open data. We are excited about the future. We are also proud to have grown into one of the largest open access publishers, but recognise that this has only been possible through the support and collaboration of the research communities. Moving forward, this support will continue to be crucial to our success. Switzerland has been a leader in implementing open access, with strong policies and funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The benefits of barrierfree access to knowledge for researchers, industry and the general public are starting to be realized. By reducing the focus on high levels of selectivity in what is published, open access contributes to efforts to promote transparency and reproducibility, including the publication of so-called negative results. In addition, open access goes beyond simply being free to read: reuse of content in a variety of contexts and licenses that allow data and content mining are also important. As the available literature grows substantially, different ways of reading and machine-readability will become increasingly important.
Switzerland is the best place either to conduct research or to run a successful company. One of my chemistry theory papers entitled “Correlation of entropy with similarity and symmetry” published 22 years ago was still cited 8 times since last year. I do not think I can return to my research, but I will certainly lead MDPI to serve the community of chemists by offering them an excellent OA publishing service in a typically Swiss way.»
Dr. Shu-Kun Lin, President of MDPI
MDPI AG
St. Alban-Anlage 66,
CH-4052 Basel Switzerland
www.mdpi.com
Links and further information:
- SCS-MDPI Partnership: Profit from discounts for your OA publications
- OpenScience : Strategy and Policies by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Open Science in Switzerland
- Website of MDPI
David Spichiger, SCS
28.05.2018
Live Webcast of the 2018 Kavli Prize Laureates Announcements
Date: May 31, 2018, 14:30h (CEST)
Webcast and program: http://www.kavliprize.org/
Watch the live webcast of the 2018 Kavli Prize laureate announcements by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters Oslo, Norway, and live coverage of a special Prize program from the World Science Festival in New York City, including a special keynote address by the Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The Kavli Prize recognizes scientists for pioneering advances in our understanding of existence at its biggest, smallest, and most complex scales. Presented every two years in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience, each of three prizes consists of USD $1 million and a gold medal. Laureates are nominated by committees whose members are recommended by The Chinese Academy of Sciences, The French Academy of Sciences, The Max Planck Society (Germany), The National Academy of Sciences (US), The Royal Society (UK) and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. First awarded in 2008, the Kavli Prizes have so far honored 47 scientists from 11 countries – France, Germany, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Winners receive gold medals in Oslo, Norway, in a ceremony presided over by His Majesty King Harald. A banquet takes place at Oslo’s famed City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The Kavli Prize is a partnership between the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, The Kavli Foundation (USA) and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
About the Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., has served as the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute since 1999. Described by Time Magazine as “perhaps the ultimate role model for women in science,” Dr. Jackson has held senior leadership positions in academia, government, industry, and research. She served as Co-Chair of the United States President’s Intelligence Advisory Board from 2014 to 2017 and as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology from 2009 to 2014. Before taking the helm at Rensselaer, Dr. Jackson was Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1995 to 1999. In 2016, Dr. Jackson was awarded the National Medal of Science for her work in condensed matter physics and particle physics and for science-rooted public policy achievements. Dr. Jackson holds an S.B. in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics, both from MIT.
David Spichiger, SCS
08.05.2018
APPLY NOW! Clariant CleanTech Award 2018
Clariant, the Swiss Chemical Society and the University of Basel once again are partnering to award the Clariant CleanTech Award Switzerland on the »Clariant Chemistry Day« at the University of Basel on 4 October 2018. The Clariant CleanTech Award Switzerland is endowed with a total of CHF 10'000. The first prize is endowed with CHF 5'000.
This award program honors outstanding scientific achievements of Master students, PhD students, and Postdocs in Switzerland in the field of Clean Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry covering topics such as resource efficiency, renewable energy, renewable raw materials or green technologies and environmental protection.
Conditions for Participation
The Clariant CleanTech Award Switzerland is available to successful Master students, PhD students, and Postdocs who have distinguished themselves with outstanding scientific achievements at the departments of chemistry and adjacent disciplines of universities, universities of applied sciences and institutes in Switzerland in areas of Sustainable Chemistry such as resource efficiency, renewable energy, renewable raw materials or green technologies and environmental protection.
Master students, PhD students, and Postdocs will be considered with regard to their different levels of training.
Applicants are requested to submit their curriculum vitae, a brief description of the scientific results (max. 5 pages), and an expert assessment from a supervisor by 24 August 2018 via:
David Spichiger, SCS
23.05.2018
SCNAT Newsletter, May 2018
Kurze Pause bei der Erwärmung des alpinen Permafrosts
Erstmals seit 2009 wurde der Erwärmungstrend des alpinen Permafrosts in Schutthalden und Blockgletschern vorübergehend unterbrochen. Das zeigen die neusten Resultate des Schweizer Permafrost-Messnetzes (Permos). Weiter
Das Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg setzt auf Artenvielfalt
Anlässlich des Europäischen Kulturerbejahrs 2018 spannt das Forum Biodiversität mit dem Museum Ballenberg zusammen. Verschiedene Projekte machen den Zusammenhang von natürlicher und kultureller Vielfalt sichtbar. Weiter
Erster Schweizer Landschaftskongress: Jetzt anmelden!
Wie sieht die Schweiz von morgen aus? Der erste Schweizer Landschaftskongress am 23. und 24. August in Luzern lädt Fachleute zum Austausch ein. Er will eine Weiterentwicklung der Landschaft anstossen. Weiter
Die Wissenschaft braucht guten Journalismus: Jetzt anmelden!
Die Medien stecken in einem tiefgreifenden Wandel und der Journalismus bröckelt. Auch wenn die Wissenschaftskommunikation ausserhalb der klassischen Medien floriert, fehlt im Dialog von Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft zunehmend etwas Entscheidendes: der kritische, kompetent einordnende Blick von Journalistinnen und Journalisten. Wie kann die Wissenschaft guten Journalismus fördern? Fachleute diskutieren am 25. Mai in Bern den Zustand der Schweizer Medien, neue Ansätze und die Handlungsmöglichkeiten der Wissenschaft. Weiter
Biodiversität in Europa und Zentralasien: Handeln ist angesagt
Die Biodiversität und die Ökosystemleistungen in Europa und Zentralasien haben einen enorm hohen Wert für die Region, schwinden aber Jahr für Jahr. Immer mehr Menschen werden längerfristig in ihrer Lebensqualität beeinträchtigt. Das besagt der Zustandsbericht des Weltbiodiversitätsrats (IPBES), der zusammen mit politischen Handlungsoptionen am 6. Juni im Hotel Bellevue in Bern vorgestellt wird. Weiter
Schweizer Lehrkräfte ans europäische Festival «Science on Stage»
Lehrerinnen und Lehrer aller Schulstufen und Landesteile können bis Ende September ihre Beiträge für das Schweizer Science-on-Stage-Festival 2018 im Technorama in Winterthur einreichen. Das Ziel von Science on Stage ist die Förderung des naturwissenschaftlich-technischen Unterrichts. Eine Jury prämiert die vier besten Projekte. Gewinnerinnen und Gewinner vertreten die Schweiz 2019 am europäischen Science-on-Stage-Festival in Portugal. Weiter
Fast Forward Science 2018: Jetzt anmelden!
Der Webvideo-Wettbewerb zeichnet Videos aus, die sich mit Wissenschaft, Forschung und Zukunft auseinandersetzen. Die Organisatoren von Fast Forward Science rufen Studierende, Forscherinnen und Forscher, eingefleischte Webvideomacher, Schüler, Kommunikatoren und an Wissenschaft Interessierte auf, Webvideos über Wissenschaft und Forschung zu produzieren und einzureichen. Die Filme sollen zugleich unterhaltsam, wissenschaftlich fundiert und verständlich sein. Der Wettbewerb ist mit insgesamt 21'000 Euro dotiert. Einreichfrist ist der 30. Juni. Weiter
Unterstützung für Projektanträge zur Schweizer Parkforschung
Die Koordinationsstelle Parkforschung Schweiz der Akademie der Naturwissenschaften fördert im Auftrag des Bundesamtes für Umwelt die Forschung in und zu den Pärken von nationaler Bedeutung. Dazu unterstützt sie die Ausarbeitung von Projektanträgen an Dritte mit einem finanziellen Beitrag. Gesucht werden Projektideen, die für mehrere Parks relevant sind. Sie können bis 31. August 2018 eingereicht werden. Weiter
SCNAT-Jahresbericht 2017
Gene Drives: Wundermittel, Biowaffe oder Hype? Eine neue Technologie weckt grosse Hoffnungen, aber auch Ängste. Im Fokus steht die Bekämpfung krankmachender Mücken und von Schadinsekten in der Landwirtschaft. Gene Drives könnten aber auch helfen, invasive Arten wie die Asiatische Tigermücke in der Schweiz unter Kontrolle zu bringen. Mehr dazu und was die Akademie der Naturwissenschaften 2017 sonst noch beschäftigte, lesen Sie im neuen Jahresbericht. Weiter
Missbrauchspotenzial biologischer Forschung
Schweizer Forschende der Biowissenschaften stehen einem formellen Verhaltenskodex zur Verhinderung von Forschungsmissbrauch kritisch gegenüber. Dies ist eines der Ergebnisse eines Projektes des Forums Genforschung zur Biosicherheit, das nun in der Fachzeitschrift «Frontiers in Bioengineering & Biotechnology» publiziert wurde. Als angemessen erachteten die befragten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler Initiativen, welche informell für das Missbrauchspotenzial sensibilisieren, Diskussionen fördern und die Aus- und Weiterbildung ermöglichen. Weiter
Der neue Hotspot zu Biodiversität und Kulturerbe
Natur und Kultur – zwei unvereinbare Gegensätze? Mitnichten! Natur und Kultur stehen in vielfältiger Wechselbeziehung zueinander. Die aktuelle Ausgabe des Magazins «Hotspot» spürt den Verflechtungen zwischen biologischer Vielfalt und Kulturerbe nach. Konkrete Beispiele offenbaren Abhängigkeiten, Parallelen und gemeinsame Herausforderungen. Kulturerbe wie Naturerbe sind unverzichtbarer Teil der menschlichen Geschichte. Und beide stehen heute unter Druck. Weiter
Tagungsband vom International Symposium for Research in Protected Areas publiziert
Vom 2. bis 4. November 2017 fand an der Universität Salzburg die sechste Ausgabe des International Symposium for Research in Protected Areas statt. Der Tagungsband ist online verfügbar und umfasst die Zusammenfassungen der 213 Konferenzbeiträge. PDF in Englisch
Weitere Aktivitäten der SCNAT
Akademie der Naturwissenschaften Schweiz (SCNAT)
Haus der Akademien | Laupenstrasse 7 | 3008 Bern
Andres Jordi | Tel. 031 306 93 23 | www.scnat.ch
Fragen und Anregungen:
INNO2: your Start-up package @ILMAC Lausanne 2018
In 2017 the Swiss economy registered 43’416 new companies and beside Zurich and Basel the Lac Leman region provided an important contribution to this number. It’s the goal of ILMAC Lausanne 2018 and the SCS to offer these start-ups and other young companies a platform to present themselves to a broader audience. The special Start-up package offers high visibility and flexibility of presence at low costs. The standard booth layout saves personal resources and allows you to focus on networking and sales respectively.
Please find more information in the fact sheets that are available in French and German. It would be our pleasure to welcoming you in Lausanne as up-and-coming, innovative company.
ILMAC Lausanne 2018
Expo Beaulieu Lausanne, hall 7, October 3-4, 2018
www.ilmac.ch/lausanne
Start-up booth INNO2:
- Booth size: 4m2, fully equiped
- Presence: 1 or 2 days-packages available
- Prize: CHF 1’990 for 1 day or 2’390 for days
Contact:
Michael Bonenberger, Exhibition Director
MCH Messe Schweiz (Basel) AG
ILMAC 2018
4005 Basel, Schweiz
T +41 58 206 27 21
M +41 79 565 39 44
David Spichiger, SCS
09.05.2018
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