Future Labs Live, Virtual on September 28-29, 2020
Coming to you live, wherever you are!
The world’s most diverse & exciting event for the future of R&D, manufacturing & quality labs. Join this year's virtual edition on September 28th-29th 2020.
The current crisis has further demonstrated the importance of ensuring your labs are truly digital, automated, and connected.
Across 2 days, they will be broadcasting live presentations, in-depth panel discussions, and interviews from practitioners, technicians, scientists, innovators, start-ups, and the vendor across the world. There will be interaction with speakers, networking, Q&A and live virtual roundtable sessions.
Join in from wherever you are online either live or watch the sessions on-demand.
Book Tickets here.
Profit from the 20% discount for SCS members
discount code: HHXP
24.08.2020
Céline Wittwer, SCS
Newsletter SCNAT, 08/2020
FoLAP related News
Eine Strategie zur Dekarbonisierung fehlt
Die Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz begrüssen die Änderungen des Energiegesetzes, mit denen der Bund das Klimaabkommen von Paris erfüllen will. Aber es braucht umfassendere Anpassungen. Weiter
Start zum Forschungsprojekt ValPar.CH
Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts ValPar.CH untersucht ein interdisziplinär zusammengesetztes Forschungskonsortium den Nutzen und den Mehrwert der Ökologischen Infrastruktur. Vor dem Hintergrund einer nachhaltigen Ressourcennutzung analysiert das Forschungsteam den Wert der Ökologischen Infrastruktur aus gesellschaftlicher, wirtschaftlicher und ökologischer Sicht in vier Schweizer Pärken. Weiter
Alpenwoche Intermezzo 9-11. Dezember 2020, Nizza
Wie gestalten junge Menschen die Zukunft in den Alpen? Das Lebensumfeld und die Berufe, die heute als typisch „alpin“ betrachtet werden, werden es morgen vermutlich nicht mehr sein, vor allem aufgrund des Klimawandels. Bei der Intermezzo-Alpenwoche 2020 liegt der Fokus darauf, was dies für die junge Generation bedeutet. Wie nehmen junge Menschen die mit dem Klimawandel verbundenen Veränderungen von Landschaft wahr? In welcher Umgebung werden sie leben? Reichen Sie Ihre Vorschläge bis am 10. September 2020 Weiter
Nahrungsnetze im Schweizerischen Nationalpark
Was es braucht, dass Nahrungsnetze und Nährstoffkreisläufe in Weide-Ökosystemen funktionieren, zeigt ein neues Fachbuch der Forschungskommission des Schweizerischen Nationalparks. Während grosse Tiere wie Hirsche und Gämsen für eine hohe Biodiversität sorgen, halten kleine wirbellose Tiere wie Schnecken, Insekten und Fadenwürmer das Ökosystem am Laufen. Fehlen bestimmte Artengruppen, werden Nahrungsnetze und Nährstoffkreisläufe unterbrochen, das Zusammenspiel vielfältiger Lebensgemeinschaften zerfällt. Weiter
New issue of the open-access journal eco.mont online
The latest issue of eco.mont journal on protected mountain areas research and management covers topics from biosphere reserves, to the implications of tourism and recreation, to herpetofauna. It contains a study named "Protected areas and territorial tensions: The ticinese case of Adula park". more
News from the Community
Öffentliche Umfrage zum neuen Alpenraumprogramm
Das Interreg Alpenraumprogramm bereitet sich auf die neue Programmperiode 2021-2027 vor. Im Mai wurden in allen Programmländern Stakeholder-Umfragen organisiert. Nun liegt der neuste Entwurf des Programms vor, zu welchem eine öffentliche Umfrage durchgeführt wird. Wir laden Sie herzlich dazu ein, an dieser Umfrage teilzunehmen, und Ihre Meinung über die Gesamtstruktur des Programms und die gewählten Ziele abzugeben. Die Umfrage läuft bis zum 14. September 2020 und ist in englischer Sprache verfügbar. Weiter
Erwärmung des Permafrosts in der Schweiz
In den letzten Jahrzehnten hat sich der Permafrost in der Schweiz erwärmt. Es wurden zahlreiche Anzeichen von Degradation beobachtet, und die meisten Blockgletscher bewegen sich deutlich schneller. Das zeigen Langzeitmessungen des Schweizer Permafrostmessnetzes PERMOS. PERMOS wurde im Jahr 2000 als weltweit erstes nationales Permafrostmessnetz ins Leben gerufen und ist heute ein anerkannter Bestandteil der internationalen Gemeinschaft. Es liefert die grösste Datensammlung zu Permafrost in Gebirgsregionen, wobei die längste Zeitreihe mehr als 30 Jahre abdeckt. Weiter
Alpine Parks 2030 - the future of nature protection in the Alps
The Alps are a highly diverse system of landscapes and ecological processes, some of which have arisen from their geological, climatological and biological evolution, and parts of which have been shaped by hundreds of years of human habitation and land use. A project of ALPARC aims at identifying gaps in the system of spatial protection, both concerning its representativity of wildlife and biodiversity and its spatial distribution and to recommend measures to allow alpine protected areas to become ready for the challenges of a changing world and changing society. more
Rigi Workshop 2021: Cell Biology of Infection
Do you want to increase your knowledge in the broad field of cell biology of infection? Join the 3-days workshop at the top of Rigi mountain on 31 January 2021. At one of the most scenic spots in Switzerland you will develop your scientific network and discuss your research with other PhD students and experts in a friendly atmosphere. The event is organised by the Platform Biology of SCNAT. Subscribe now! More
Calls
Call for Abstracts - Mountain Sessions at the PAGES 2021 Open Science Meeting
MRI will convene two mountain sessions at the upcoming PAGES 2021 Open Science Meeting in Agadir, Morocco: "Past climates in our changing mountains: Contributions from the paleoscience community" and "Dendrochronology: A flashlight into an elusive past and a tool for an uncertain future". Deadline to submit is 1st October 2020. more
Upcoming Events
(Im)Mobilité - Vivre et bouger dans les Alpes
Le colloque (Im)mobilité, qui se déroulera les 3 et 4 septembre 2020 à Salvan, encourage le développement d’un échange pluridisciplinaire autour de la question de la mobilité. Entre risques et opportunités, défis et enjeux, il propose un temps d’arrêt pour décrypter et comprendre les multiples composantes de cette thématique, ainsi que pour esquisser des pistes afin d’anticiper les changements qui se profilent. Plus
Let's team up for climate action in the Alps!
Are you willing to team up for climate action in the Alps? Do you want to contribute to the climate-neutral and climate-resilient Alps vision? Join the matchmaking workshop of the Alpine Climate Board (ACB) to take further steps towards the implementation of the Alpine Climate Target System 2050. Representatives of all sectors of activity in the Alps and from local to cross-border level are invited to embark on the pathways for action. The online conference is taking place on 15th and 16th September 2020. More
Podiumsdiskussion im Alpinen Museum
Der "Albert Mountain Award" wird am 25. September 2020 im Alpinen Museum unter anderem an das Schweizerische Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung SLF in Davos verliehen. Vorgängig zur Feier findet eine öffentliche Podiumsdiskussion zum Engagement des SLF statt. Bitte melden Sie sich bis am 13. September 2020 per Mail beim Alpinen Museum an. Weiter
Smart villages - Key opportunities for a sustainable and attractive Alpine region
Within the events scheduled for the French Presidency of EUSALP, an event to bring together politicians, project managers, researchers, associations and all those people who are involved or interested in the topic of smart villages is being organised to discuss key opportunities for a sustainable and attractive Alpine region. The meeting is being held on 5th and 6th October 2020 in Grenoble, France. More
Outdoortourismus mit Fernsicht - Zwischen Klimawandel, Nachhaltigkeitsanspruch und Krisenmanagement
Outdoorsport ist in den Alpen die Grundlage des Tourismus und vielerorts wichtiger Wirtschaftsfaktor. Die teils ressourcenintensiven Aktivitäten finden meist in sensiblen Naturräumen statt, so dass sich die Frage stellt, wie Outdoorsport in Zeiten des Klimawandels und der Ressourcenknappheit eine treibende Kraft für nachhaltige touristische Entwicklung im Alpenraum werden kann. Eine zweitägige Konferenz am 16. und 17. November 2020 in Prien am Chiemsee gibt Antworten. Weiter
Brussels News Update, August 2020
European Highlights, Research, Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship
Winners announced: EuChemS Historical Landmarks Awards 2019
Each year, EuChemS has an open call for a Historical Landmark Award, to recognise various sights of cultural heritage that are significant for the history of Chemistry. As some European countries already have a national landmark programme, two levels of EuChemS Historical Landmarks are foreseen: European (for major initiatives that have impact at the European level) and regional (for local initiatives significant for a particular region).
This year, the European level award goes to the Mines of Almaden in Spain, an exemplary historic mining site producing mercury, while the regional level award was given to Edessa Cannabis Factory Museum in Greece, which used to be a standard industrial unit, making ropes and twine from Indian hemp.
Finalists of the 2020 European Young Chemists’ Award (EYCA) announced!
The European Award Committee for the EuChemS-EYCN Award (EYCAC) has selected finalists for the Early Career Researcher level and the PhD level, in recognition of the exceptional research in various fields of chemical sciences. The full list of the finalists is available!
Read the full article here.
Chemistry in Europe 2020-3 newsletter is online!
On 31 July, the quarterly EuChemS newsletter CiE2020-3 has been released. It includes an editorial from MEP Maria Spyraki, various policy and research updates, testimonies from Chemists across Europe about the adaptations to COVID-19 measures, and many other engaging topics.
You are kindly invited to scroll through the CiE 2020-3 here.
EU long-term budget deal must be improved for EP to accept it
The recovery fund proposed by the Parliament in May has been well accepted by EU leaders who are calling it a “historic move for the EU”. However, MEPs have communicated their complaints concerning the massive cuts to the grant components and the future-oriented programmes, as their concern is that they will “undermine the foundations of a sustainable and resilient recovery”. MEPs are prepared to withhold their consent to the long-term budget unless the deal is improved.
EYCN at the European Research and Innovation Days
EuChemS European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN) will take an active part and contribute to the session on “Sustainability by Design” during European Research and Innovation Days. If you are interested to join this event that brings together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and citizens to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond, you can follow their website for more information.
Jean-Pierre Bourguignon appointed President ad interim of the ERC
The European Commission (EC) appointed Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon as the President of the European Research Council (ERC) for an interim period until the next ERC President takes office. This re-selection has been well received across Europe, considering his previous position as the President of the ERC from 2014-2019, which was already his 2nd term.
How is the EU making sure perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) don’t stick around?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals that are widely used throughout society and thus found in the environment (groundwater, surface water, soil, and food). As all PFAS contain carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry, they are known to persist in the environment longer than any other man-made substance. Some PFAS have already been regulated globally by the Stockholm Convention for more than 10 years, while the manufacture and use of some PFAS are already restricted under REACH.
Read the full article here.
Consultations & Roadmap
European Commission Public Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Commission are currently open:
- ‘Food safety – feed additives (clearer information)’
Deadline: 28 August 2020 - ‘Water pollution – EU rules on urban wastewater treatment (update)’
Deadline: 8 September 2020 - ‘EU renewable energy rules – review’
Deadline: 21 September 2020
European Chemicals Agency Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.
European Food Safety Agency Public Consultations
A number of consultations put forward by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are currently open.
You can take a look at it here.
Fundings, Nominations & Awards
Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) open calls
Currently two calls are open:
1. Individual Fellowships 2020
Deadline: 09 September 2020
2. Co-funding of regional, national, and international programmes 2020
Deadline: 29 September 2020
ERC Advanced Grant
Researchers who would like to compete for an ERC Advanced Grant have until 26 August 2020 to apply for the next round of funding.
Currently two calls are open:
1. ERC Advanced Grants
Deadline: 26 August 2020
2. Proof of Concept Grant
Deadline: 17 September 2020
More information about it here.
EuChemS Events
In the current environment and status of COVID-19, some events recognised by EuChemS are being postponed or cancelled.
EuChemS Events calendar is being updated on a regular basis.
If you planned to attend an event, you can check more about it here.
18th Ružička days – “Today science – tomorrow industry”
16-18 September 2020, Vukovar Croatia
Website: see here
2020 EuChemS General Assembly
24 September 2020, Online Event
Website: www.euchems.eu
2020 EuChemS Professional Networks (PNs) annual meeting
29 September 2020, online event (Zoom meeting)
Visit the website!
Read the full BNU newsletter here
EuChemS aisbl - Rue du Trône 62, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; www.euchems.eu. Produced for EuChemS by Nineta Hrastelj, Laura Jousset and Jelena Lazić. This newsletter has been carefully prepared and only contains correct information to the best of EuChemS´ knowledge, however this does not exclude the possibility of existence of incorrect information. EuChemS cannot be liable for the use or misuse of any information, whether correct or incorrect, present at this newsletter. Intellectual property belongs to its rightful owners, always explicitly traceable on each article. Compilation Copyright © 2020 EuChemS
Céline Wittwer, SCS
18.08.2020
JMP Livestream Oct 8, 2020 - How Design of Experiments can Transform the Way we innovate
JMP Livestream
October 8th, 2020 10:30-12:00 CEST / 9:30-11:00 BST
Gaining and maintaining competitive advantage requires today’s organizations to innovate at increasing speed. As products and processes become more complex, subject matter expertise alone does not always deliver progress at the pace demanded. Many experts working in R&D rely on a traditional approach to this problem, changing one variable at a time. It might seem to offer the structure for more predictability, but can end up constraining innovation and decreasing efficiency in the long run.
Céline Wittwer, SCS
Schweizerin glänzt mit Bronzemedaille an der internationalen Chemie-Olympiade
Vom 23. bis 30. Juli hiess die Türkei 235 Jugendliche aus 60 Ländern willkommen – allerdings nicht in Istanbul, sondern im Internet. Die Internationale Chemie-Olympiade, kurz IChO, fand wegen der Pandemie virtuell statt. Vier Chemie-Talente aus der Schweiz hatten sich am nationalen Wettbewerb im April für diese internationale Herausforderung qualifiziert:
- Albert Shang, Ecole Internationale de Genève (GE)
- Daniel Isler, Kantonsschule Baden (AG)
- Jasmin Frei, Kantonsschule Wettingen (AG)
- Lennart Horn, Kantonsschule Solothurn (SO)
Céline Wittwer, SCS
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