Category Archives: News/Events Australia

UQ-UZH Public Lecture: A Toolbox for Human-AI Collaboration in Lifespan Health Analysis

7 October 2025 5:30pm–7:30pm

Join us at UQ Brisbane City for a Public Lecture, held as part of the UQ-UZH Symposium, co-hosted by The University of Queensland (UQ) and the University of Zurich (UZH).

A Toolbox for Human-AI Collaboration in Lifespan Health Analysis
Physiological time series data holds considerable promise for advancing the understanding of health and aging. However, transitioning from raw signals to analytically ready data remains a complex and often ad-hoc process. In this presentation, PhD candidate Gabriela Morgenshtern introduces STAG (Statistical Timeseries Analysis Guide), a visual analytics system developed at the University of Zurich to facilitate transparent and reproducible preprocessing of sensor data for exploration and model training.

STAG enables clinical researchers to build, document, and share preprocessing workflows using a modular, low-code interface that records each transformation along with its underlying rationale. The system produces exportable Python scripts, structured insight templates, and graphical workflow documentation to promote collaboration and cross-study comparability.

Ms Morgenshtern will demonstrate STAG and reflect on how visual analytics can improve collaboration between humans and AI in sensor and broader time series analysis. The session will also explore how longevity research can benefit from more rigorous and reusable preprocessing practices.

Event details
Date: Tuesday 7 October 2025
Time: 5:15pm arrival (5:30pm start) — 6:30pm, followed by networking and refreshments
Venue: Room 0M08, Level 0M, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane City

More information here

 

Swisscham Awards: Nominations for Science/Research/Education

The Swiss Awards is an annual program which aims to recognise excellence of Swiss businesses, organisations and individuals in Australia. The Awards acknowledge the important and distinguished contributions to the image of Switzerland in Australia and to the growth of Swiss-Australian relations.

Nomination are open to the following categories:
1. Established business
2. Science/Research/Education
3. Newcomer/Rising Star
4. One of the winners of each category will also be chosen as the overall Swiss Awards Winner.

Please note, you can only compete in ONE of the categories! Click here to see all previous winners since 2012!

Focus Areas for all categories:

  • Link to Switzerland – Australia
  • Innovation, Technology, Design, Quality, Reliability, Success,
  • Sustainability, Originality/Uniqueness, Contribution to Society,
  • Social Responsibility (corporate or otherwise)

Registration closes: 31st October 2025
Awards Night: 12th February 2026

Click here to start the nomination process

 

 

Swiss Mobility Scholarships Now Open

Three prestigious Swiss mobility programs are now open for applications, offering Australian students the opportunity to study and conduct research in Switzerland — a global hub for innovation, academic excellence, and international collaboration.

  1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Each year, the Swiss Confederation awards scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation. These scholarships are open to young researchers from all academic disciplines who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland.

  1. ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships

The ThinkSwiss programme provides students with the chance to gain hands-on research experience at Swiss universities and research institutions. This year, eligibility has been expanded beyond Australia to also include students from select Pacific Island countries (Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji).

  1. Mertz Fellowship

The Mertz Fellowship supports outstanding students in Polar Research to undertake research in Switzerland, strengthening academic ties and fostering the next generation of leaders in science and innovation.

These three programs open exceptional pathways for students to immerse themselves in Switzerland’s cutting-edge research environment, while building valuable academic and professional networks.

For detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please visit: https://headstartswiss.au/

Innovation in Motion – 1 September in Adelaide

Innovation in Motion
Switzerland – Australia Perspectives in Sustainability, Mobility and Energy

Adelaide
Monday, 1 September 2025
17:00 – 19:00

The Embassy of Switzerland in Australia and the University of Adelaide, in partnership with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Australia and the Swiss Australian Academic Network are pleased to organize a special event exploring opportunities for collaboration in research and innovation between Switzerland and Australia.
Opened by the Hon. Susan Close, MP, Deputy Premier of the Government of South Australia, and by His Excellency the Swiss Ambassador Nikolas Stürchler, the event will highlight shared strengths in research, industry, and commercialization – with a focus on sustainability, energy and clean mobility.
Join Pilatus, Kyburz, Synhelion, the ETH Solar racing team, and Swiss and Australian Stakeholders to explore joint opportunities and engage in interactive networking on key innovation themes.

Inquiries with: aisha.elias@eda.admin.ch

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