Beyond the Lab Summer School

We had an incredible week of learning and building connections in beautiful Beatenberg.

We had an incredible week of learning and building connections in beautiful Beatenberg.

In June 2024, a group of 30 PhD students gathered in Beatenberg, Switzerland to learn how to make an impact at the science-policy interface and develop solutions with diverse collaborators for global challenges such as climate change and the future of AI.

We’d like to thank the participants, speakers, organizers, and funding office (ETH Domain Doctoral School) that made this summer school possible. Several EPFL PhDs who were inspired by the engaging experience at this summer school and the previous 2023 summer school of similar nature have established the Science Policy Action Network (SPAN) at EPFL. Keep in touch with their activities on their website here!

Please enjoy this summary of the Beyond the Lab summer school experience written by organizer Marie Jones on LinkedIn :

Last week saw the culmination of our year-long project to organise the EPFL & ETH Zürich “Beyond the Lab” doctoral Summer School. As 30 PhD students from all over the world and more than 20 speakers gathered in Beatenberg to explore how scientists can address global challenges, my co-organisers, Sophia Johnson, Mary Jialu Chen, Febin Kachirayil, Kyle Haas, Tom Enbar, and I could hardly believe that our on-paper plans were finally coming to life!

What do I bring back from the Summer School?

  • Skills to write a policy brief and to effectively negotiate (Dr. Jack Williams)
  • A professional branding statement (The Science Talk)
  • A life-long network of problem-driven researchers
  • A lot more resilience!!

My motivation to dedicate my work to developing a sustainable and circular industry to preserve our planet was refuelled by listening to Veruska Muccione and Michaël Aklin, whilst overlooking the breath-taking Jungfrau mountain range: how could it have been otherwise with such a sight!

After the PhD, I am more eager than ever to embark on an impact-oriented career, why not by following the steps of my mentor Eleni Zika, PhD and contribute to Science for Policy in Europe. In the meantime, I am excited for the year to come as Vice-President of our newly founded student association Science Policy Action Network (SPAN)!

Thank you to all the speakers for taking the time to share their valuable expertise with us, and to all the participants for your engagement and curiosity. As one of you said, there was “great good in Beatenberg” last week.

To learn more specific details about our daily activities from the summer school please see these LinkedIn posts: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.  And to connect with the wider community of all summer school students and their own networks in general, follow our group on LinkedIn as well!

 

Our original front page information is found below.

The world is grappling with complex challenges, from climate change to public health and the emergence of AI, all of which place scientists at the forefront of the search for solutions. As early-career scientists, we doctoral students question how and where we can make an impact in these challenges within and outside of our research. Join us for a 2024 summer school from June 25-28 funded by the ETH Domain, which is designed to equip you with a toolbox to take on such global challenges effectively.

 

The world is grappling with complex challenges, from climate change to public health and the emergence of AI, all of which place scientists at the forefront of the search for solutions.  As early-career scientists, we question how we can make an impact in these challenges within and outside of our research.

Join us for a 2024 summer school from June 25-28, funded by the ETH Domain, which is designed to equip you with the actionable skills necessary to take on such global challenges effectively. We bring together perspectives from academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders, to explore the myriad of ways in which science can influence public decisions and how to face the challenges associated with taking action. You can look forward to:
  • engaging discussions with a cohort of doctoral students interested in these topics
  • networking opportunities to meet professionals at this intersection
  • hands-on practical workshops such as crafting a policy brief and negotiation simulations
  • beautiful landscape vistas and optional social activities
Please contact us at beyondthelab@epfl.ch for more information.