Internal Newsletter
“We are the majority of PlanetS”
Currently attached to the NCCR PlanetS are 56 PhDs, 46 PostDocs, 32 Senior Scientists, and 18 permanent positions. To make their concerns heard, the young scientists joined forces and elected representatives. Caroline Dorn is one of them: “I think, the way how we do science is effecting what we do in science. That’s something to keep […]
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Interculturality and Diversity
By Nadine Afram How diverse is PlanetS? How many cultures do we bring together at PlanetS? If we speak in terms of nationalities of NCCR members, we gather approximately 130 persons of 30 different nationalities, and a multitude of languages. Like in many research environments, this is not unusual. In a broader sense, many more […]
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In memory of Victoria Ann Roloff
On the 12 February 2018 we had to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our most valued friend and colleague, Victoria Ann Roloff. Inspired by the night skies, she dreamed of becoming a scientist from an early age. After a successful career at Cardiff University and the University of Surrey she joined us at the […]
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“They tell us in a very direct way if something isn’t good”
Eight ideas, eighty startuppers and experts and two days of intensive work – that is the SwissCompanyMaker (SCM) Workshop described in just a few words. Co-organisers include the NCCR PlanetS. This year the SCM took place in Bern in April. A team from the University of Bern was also represented and benefited from extensive expert […]
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Learn to brand your science with “brain radio”
Explainables Workshop at Bern University for NCCR PlanetS The first PlanetS workshop in collaboration with Explainables.org, a science communication network founded by young researches from all over the world, was focused on developing communication and marketing skills for our PlanetS students and postdocs. About 20 early career scientists from first year grad students to established […]
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Linking Academia and Industry
“Apéro might be the most important thing in an event” Those words might make you smile and think it’s not very professional, but from a certain point of view, it makes a lot of sense, as many PlanetS juniors learnt amongst many other advices during a workshop in Zürich, mid-April, regarding the Links between Industry and […]
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Between Science and Fiction
Over the Ascension days the Fantasy Basel opened its doors for fans of film, game, comic, and cosplay from all over Europe. With four halls (total area > 60’000 m2), more than 300 exhibitors, 150 artists, and stars from film and TV, this convention is the largest in Switzerland and “one of the most beautiful […]
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Editorial
Dear PlanetS colleagues, Like for the first 3 editions, the 4th General Assembly of our NCCR in Grindelwald was a success with interesting presentations and workshops, lively discussions, and the renewed friendly ambiance between the participants. For the first time, however, the young members of PlanetS raised some worries about their future, especially in […]
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Provide a gift for everyone
From scientific results to planned projects, from gender issues to rocket construction, and from proposal writing to the life after academia: The program at the General Assembly of the NCCR PlanetS 2018 in Grindelwald was fully packed and provided the 125 participants with material for many discussions. “You can’t do science without money,” stated Dan […]
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A permanent position, the “Holy Grail” for young scientists
By Stéphane Udry Four years after the start of the NCCR, questions about the future are starting to become more pressing for the young astronomers in PlanetS. During the 4th General Assembly, held once again in the beautiful setting of Grindelwald, they raised serious concerns about the future of their career. Will fixed positions be […]
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