Category Archives: News/Events Australia

Leading House for Asia Pacific – new funding opportunities for collaborative research

Exciting news for Australia-Switzerland research collaboration!

Australia is now part of the Leading House for the Asia-Pacific region, and the University of Zurich (UZH) has been appointed to lead this initiative from 2025 to 2028.
Under a mandate from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), UZH will foster scientific, educational, and innovation collaborations between Switzerland and 15 countries across the region, including Australia and New Zealand.
This is a major opportunity for Australian researchers, universities, and industry partners to engage in joint projects with Switzerland’s world-class research ecosystem.
The benefits for Australian-Swiss collaboration include:
✅ New funding opportunities for joint research projects and mobility grants (coming later this year)
✅ Stronger academic and industry connections between Australia and Switzerland
✅ Access to Swiss innovation ecosystems across various disciplines
✅ Enhanced collaboration in key research areas such as quantum technologies, environmental science, health, and more

With Australia already one of Switzerland’s top research partners globally, this initiative will strengthen and expand existing ties between our two countries. Stay tuned for upcoming funding calls and partnership opportunities!

Visit UZH Global Affairs (https://www.news.uzh.ch/en/articles/news/2025/Leading-House-Asia-Pacific.html) for more details

Collaboration in forensic sciences – 28 February in Sydney

Forensic Science: an enduring collaboration between Switzerland and Australia

Date: Friday, 28 February 2025

Location: Sydney

Event Time: 12 – 3 pm

Abstract
Switzerland has played a pioneering role in establishing the first Forensic Science University Program at the University of Lausanne, and Australia and Switzerland have been extensively collaborating for several decades to advance this discipline. The event will showcase past and recent developments in forensic science and collaboration between Australia and Switzerland.

Upon invitation only. Contact Niels Quack (niels.quack@sydney.edu.au) for further information.

Seminar on Risk profiling of pathogens using -omics and AI – 6 February in Melbourne

6 February

Peter Doherty Institute in Melbourne

From 12.00AM

Join the Research Seminar focusing on

Risk profiling of pathogens using -omics and AI technologies

by

Professor Adrian Egli

Director, Institute of Medical Microbiology

University of Zurich

 

This event is part of the University of Melbourne’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology seminar series.

Free registration: https://events.unimelb.edu.au/biomedical-sciences/event/44554-dmi-research-seminar-professor-adrian-egli

 

Abstract:

The integration of advanced -omics technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of microbiology, offering unprecedented opportunities for pathogen risk profiling and virulence prediction. In this talk, I will explore the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid phenotypic identification and its novel application in virulence prediction through AI-driven analysis. By leveraging machine learning models trained on vast datasets, we aim to bridge the gap between routine diagnostics and molecular epidemiology, enabling early identification of high-risk strains. Additionally, I will discuss how these approaches, complemented by whole genome sequencing and advanced bioinformatics tools, are being used to understand the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance and pathogen adaptability. These advancements not only enhance diagnostic precision but also pave the way for proactive public health interventions, ultimately improving outcomes in infectious disease management.

Adrian Egli’s Biography:

Adrian’s work stands at the forefront of medical microbiology as the Director of the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich. With an illustrious career rooted in a profound understanding of host-pathogen interactions, his research ambitiously leverages cutting-edge technologies, including genome sequencing, mass spectrometry, and advanced data analysis through bioinformatics and machine learning. His innovative approach aims to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases, underscoring his commitment to advancing medical science and healthcare outcomes.

ALPS DOWN UNDER – 5 December 2024 in Brisbane

ALPS DOWN UNDER

On the occasion of the ICRI24 Conference, the Embassy of Switzerland in Australia and Swissnex have the pleasure of inviting SAAN members to attend

Digital RIs & Open Science – National Experiences and Collaborations from Australia and Switzerland

With a key note from Prof. Thomas Schulthess, Director of the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS)

Thursday 5 December

3PM-5PM

Westin Hotel, Brisbane

The event will be followed by a networking apero

 

Free Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/alps-down-under

Nominations are open for the Swiss Award

Shout out to Swiss-linked researchers, innovators and companies in Australia!

Swissaward

Nominations for the Swiss Award close on the 31st of October 2024. The Swiss Awards is an annual program which aims to recognise excellence of Swiss businesses, organisations and individuals in Australia.

There are 4 categories:

1. Established business
2. Science/Research/Education
3. Newcomer/Rising Star
4. Swiss Business Life Time Award

More information here: https://www.swisscham.com.au/swiss-business-award/nominate-your-sba-winner-2024

 

 

 

ETHZ and EPFL Alumni event in Sydney on 8 April 2024

Guided tour and Talk at Sydney Nanoscience Hub

If you are an ETHZ or EPFL alumni, join the guided tour and talk at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub.

Date: 08. April 2024
Time: 18:00-​20:30
Location: Sydney Nanoscience Hub (A31), The University Of Sydney, Physics Road, 2050, Camperdown https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gj2hGGSqp3bdL8V88
Price: Free

Programme of the event:

  • 18h00-​18h30 – Arrival & Networking Apéro (Sponsored by Sydney Nano)
  • 18h30-​18h45 – Window-​Tour of the Research and Prototype Foundry
  • 18h45-​19h15 – Talk by Niels Quack: Optical Switches: Innovating Hardware for Datacenters
  • 19h15-​20h00 – Discussion and Networking
  • 20h00 End of Event

Contact person: Niels Quack
Email: niels.quack@sydney.edu.au

Showcasing the role of the Swiss in the development of the Victorian wine industry

Together with the de Pury family/Yeringberg, SAAN welcomed 60 of     its members, partners and various interest groups on October 28 to a very special event at The Royal Society of Victoria in Melbourne. 

Saan2The evening commenced at   the Royal Society´s historical Ellery Lecture Theatre. After welcoming words        from SAAN´s executive   Robert Medcalf, SAAN President Matthias Ernst gave the auditorium an overview of the network´s aims and functions.

The audience was then treated to a unique insight in the history of the Yarra Valley from Guill de Pury. His enthralling talk described his families wine producing property, which is  one of the most distinguished in the Yarra Valley and has been the home  of the family since 1862, when Baron Frederic Guillaume de Pury migrated to the Yarra Valley from Switzerland. In 1969, 3rd generation, Guill re-established the vineyard which currently produces 1200 cases of wines each year.  Further, the audience was given the chance  to ask specific questions to Guill.

Saan5

Saan6After the presentations,    the attendees were given the oppurtunity to try Yeringbe´s exquisite wines at the Burke and Wills Room.  Guill´s wife and daughter, Katherine and Sandra, kindly served the delighted audience.

Accompanied by appetizers, the guests engaged in discussions on the themes of the night as well as other potential networking and professional collaborations.

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SAAN kindly acknowledges the de Pury family and The Royal Society of Victoria for their generous support in making this such a successful event.

SBS´ German radio program attended the event and broadcasted a segment as part of it´s weekly Swiss coverage:

SBS – Fine Wine and family tradition