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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

The 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.

After 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.

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

The Swiss Club Victoria is hosting the event “Swiss Alps to Antarctic Glaciers – a Swiss-Australian Story” on 11 September 2014 in Melbourne. The film “A visual introduction to Antarctica” will be screened, followed by a presentation by Dr Anna Lucas.

For more details, see the Event Flyer.

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