Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch

Publisher: Foundation for the Development of the Education System SCIEX Scholarship Fund Mokotowska 43, 00-551 Warsaw tel.: +48 22 46 31 470, fax: +48 22 46 31 028 www.sciex.pl

Texts by: SCIEX fellows and Anna Pavlovych, Magdalena Gessel, Sylwia Iżyniec and Katarzyna Aleksandrowicz Managing Editor: Anna Pavlovych Editors: Anna Pavlovych, Magdalena Gessel Proof reading: Dr John Fells Graphic design and typesetting: Justyna Marciniak Photos by: SCIEX fellows, Wojciech Wójtowicz Printing: Oficyna drukarska – Jacek Chmielewski ISBN: ISBN 978-83-62634-88-0 © Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji, 2012 Supported by a grant from Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution to the enlarged European Union

Spis treści

CONTENTS PREFACE

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GENERAL INFORMATION

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SCIEX SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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DESCRIPTIONS OF RESEARCH PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY SCIEX FELLOWS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Innowacje to jedna z mocnych stron Szwajcarii.

Szwajcarskie instytuty badań naukowych są jednymi z najlepszych na świecie.

FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC POLICY IS AN ESSENTIAL PILLAR OF SWISS FOREIGN POLICY

Sukces i przyszły rozwój Szwajcarii w dużej mierze opierają się na wiedzy i innowacji. Zdajemy sobie sprawę ze strategicznego znaczenia edukacji, nauki, badań i rozwoju dla naszego kraju i przykładamy stosowną wagę do tych zagadnień, które mają również duże znaczenie we współpracy i stosunkach międzynarodowych.

Szwajcaria, po raz kolejny, stoi na czele rankingu Global Competitiveness Report opublikowanego przez World Economic Forum, w którym wymienionych jest 144 gospodarek światowych. Zgodnie z informacjami podanymi w raporcie, innowacje to jedna z mocnych stron Szwajcarii; instytuty badań naukowych są jednymi z najlepszych na świecie i, co więcej, intensywnie współpracują z sektorem biznesu, który ponosi największe nakłady na badania i rozwój, ma najwyższy poziom innowacyjności i jest znany ze skutecznego stosowania wyników badań do celów komercyjnych. Wyniki te potwierdzają niezwykłą odporność gospodarki szwajcarskiej na skutki kryzysu w strefie euro oraz to, że nasza długoterminowa orientacja na gospodarkę i społeczeństwo oparte na wiedzy i innowacjach stanowi właściwy kierunek rozwoju.

Jednak w dzisiejszym świecie realizacja odpowiedniej polityki i właściwe podejście na poziomie krajowym nie są wystarczające. Dlatego w interesie Szwajcarii jest podnoszenie, na poziomie międzynarodowym, świadomości znaczenia kraju jako niezwykle konkurencyjnej lokalizacji dla prowadzenia badań naukowych, rozwoju technologicznego i innowacji oraz promowanie międzynarodowej współpracy w tych dziedzinach na poziomie indywidualnym i instytucjonalnym.

Dlatego też współpraca zagraniczna w zakresie badań naukowych stanowi podstawę polityki zagranicznej Szwajcarii.

Podczas, gdy uniwersytety i instytuty naukowe w Szwajcarii realizują niezależne strategie współpracy międzynarodowej,

rząd federalny promuje działania w zakresie współpracy międzynarodowej prowadzonej za pomocą wielu kanałów, np. poprzez uczestnictwo Szwajcarii w europejskich organizacjach i programach badawczych (takich jak programy badawcze UE: CERN, ESA i inne) oraz za pomocą współpracy dwustronnej z ważnymi krajami partnerskimi.

Polska jest ważnym partnerem dla naszego kraju i Szwajcarsko-Polski Program Współpracy finansowany przez Szwajcarię zapewnia wyjątkową możliwość zwiększenia i zacieśnienia współpracy i partnerstwa pomiędzy naszymi społecznościami naukowymi. Od Mikołaja Kopernika po Marię Curie-Skłodowską, Polska ma wspaniałe tradycje naukowe. Po 20 latach od przyjęcia modelu gospodarki rynkowej, priorytety Polski skłaniają się ku badaniom i innowacjom. Dzięki dużym zasobom wysoko wykwalifikowanych i zmotywowanych pracowników, Polska zapewnia obiecujące możliwości zacieśnienia współpracy dwustronnej w dziedzinie nauki, badań i innowacji. Jestem przekonany, że Program wymiany naukowej między Szwajcarią a nowymi państwami członkowskimi Unii Europejskiej SCIEX-NMSch będzie mieć znaczący wkład w tym zakresie i będzie promować bliskie stosunki pomiędzy osobami prywatnymi i instytucjami w naszych krajach, które będą kontynuowane jeszcze po zakończeniu programu.

Program wymiany naukowej powinien również promować dwustronną wymianę i współpracę w zakresie efektywnego transferu i upowszechniania wiedzy na rzecz gospodarki i rozwoju innowacyjnych sektorów, takich jak odnawialne źródła energii, nowe technologie oraz w wielu innych dziedzinach, w których Szwajcaria ma wiele do zaoferowania.

JE LUKAS BEGLINGER Ambasador Szwajcarii w Polsce

„Projekty badawcze realizowane w ramach Funduszu Stypendialnego SCIEX–NMSch – cele i osiągnięcia” Podsumowanie projektów 2009–2012

Innovation counts among Switzerland’s main strengths. Swiss scientific research institutions are among the world’s best

research programmes, CERN, ESA, etc.), and through bilateral cooperation with important partner countries.

Switzerland’s success and future development are based and depend to a large extent on its knowledge and innovation capacities. Hence, we recognize the strategic importance of education, science, research and development for our country and act accordingly. And we attach equal importance to this field in our international relations and cooperation.

In the latest Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland is again ranked first among 144 economies. According to the report, innovation counts among Switzerland’s main strengths; its scientific research institutions are not only among the world’s best, but they also cooperate strongly with the business sector which in turn excels in terms of R&D spending, innovative capacities and their successful application for commercial purposes. These findings confirm – as much as the Swiss economy’s remarkable resilience to the consequences of the Eurozone crisis – that our longstanding orientation towards a knowledge and innovation-based economy and society is the right way forward.

In today’s world, however, it is not enough to pursue adequate policies and to do things right at the domestic level.

It is in Switzerland’s interest to increase international awareness of its strengths as a highly competitive location for scientific research, technological development and innovation and to promote its worldwide cooperation in these fields at personal and institutional levels. That is why foreign scientific policy is an essential pillar of Swiss foreign policy. While Swiss universities and research institutions pursue their own international strategies and cooperation activities, the federal government promotes international cooperation through multilateral channels, e.g. Switzerland’s participation in European research organisations and programmes (such as EU

Poland clearly is an important partner, and the Swiss-Polish Scientific Exchange Programme financed by the Swiss Contribution offers a unique opportunity to enhance and strengthen cooperation and partnership between our scientific communities. From Copernicus to Maria Curie-Skłodowska, Poland looks back on a great tradition of scientific excellence. After 20 years of successful transition to a free market economy, it is now in the process of shifting its priorities towards research and innovation. In conjunction with its large pool of well qualified and motivated human resources, this offers a promising base for a closer and intensified bilateral relationship in the fields of science, research and innovation.

I trust that the Swiss-Polish Scientific Exchange Programme will make a major contribution to that end and help foster solid personal and institutional ties between our countries that will outlive the Programme’s duration. The Programme should equally be conducive to fostering bilateral exchange and cooperation with regard to the effective transfer and diffusion of knowledge to the economy and the development of innovative sectors such as renewable energy, high tech industries and many other fields where Switzerland has plenty to offer.

JE LUKAS BEGLINGER AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND TO POLAND

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Scientific Exchange Programme between Switzerland and Poland (Sciex-NMSch) is a very attractive instrument that aims at promoting young talented scientists

The Swiss Contribution to the reduction of the economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union, which is addressed to 12 EU Member States that joined the European Union starting from 2004, amounts to 1.26 billion Swiss francs.

Nearly 40% of this total sum is dedicated to Poland in order to support 60 projects and programmes in different thematic areas, like for instance environment and infrastructure, regional development, health, private sector and NGO support.

Additionally, the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme puts a lot of emphasis in supporting Research and Development initiatives in Poland. In this field, the Scientific Exchange Programme between Switzerland and Poland (Sciex-NMSch) is a very attractive instrument that aims at promoting young talented scientists who intend to pursue their research in cooperation with Swiss researchers and institutions. It allows Polish fellows to benefit namely from high standards in research and experimental development, a highly innovative and competitive environment, strong linkages between higher education and industries as well as private business, etc.

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Up to now, several calls took place within this programme and around 100 Doctoral Candidates or PostDocs received financing for stays in Swiss research teams for periods of 6 to 24 months.

The project selection is done by a high level competition. In each call, around 25% of the applicants could be selected.

These figures show the attractiveness of the Programme and its success among both, the Polish and the Swiss research communities. But more important than that, the selected proposals are all of extremely high quality. And they will bring people of both our countries together and enhance sustainable partnerships.

DOMINIQUE FAVRE HEAD OF THE SWISS CONTRIBUTION OFFICE IN POLAND

The SCIEX Scholarship Fund places emphasis on quality and sustainability of relations and contacts, quick processing of applications and boosting professional development of researchers

Poland’s entry to the European Union has resulted in the need to actively participate in the shaping of European policy which aims to introduce a competitive and dynamic economy, which is based on knowledge, is capable of sustainable development, and provides more and better jobs.

Therefore, large emphasis has been placed on research and development as it plays a major role in the development of Poland, and in increase of innovativeness and competitiveness of the Polish economy.

In Poland, research and development is conducted mainly by universities, institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences and R&D units. Since 2009, Polish scientists have been able to apply for grants to work at research institutes in Switzerland as part of the Scholarship Fund under the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme. It is worth emphasising that the Scholarship Fund places emphasis on quality and sustainability of relations and contacts, quick processing of applications and boosting the professional development of researchers.

The participation of Polish scientists in international programmes has brought many benefits. It has allowed them to obtain access to the latest technology and to participation in major scientific initiatives. It is thanks to such programmes as the Scholarship Fund that Polish science is getting closer to the international scientific scene, especially that in Europe. Also Switzerland benefits from such cooperation as it acquires excellent and gifted Polish scientists. The Fund also provides evidence that Polish scientists are among the best and that their work is appreciated at HEIs abroad, something confirmed by numerous scientific contacts. As a result, Polish scientists are ready to participate in competitions prepared by foreign experts.

We have confidence that Poland will continue fruitful cooperation with Switzerland within the scope of support for academic mobility.

MAŁGORZATA WIERZBICKA DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL COORDINATION UNIT SWISS-POLISH COOPERATION PROGRAMME

The Fund, which realises the priorities for social and economic development of our country, is open to all scientific disciplines. It has provided funding to nearly 100 scientific mobilities to Switzerland worth in total more than CHF 8 million. However, this is not a final number as we have two more competitions ahead of us and more projects waiting for cofinancing.

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SUPPORT FOR THE MOBILITY OF DOCTORAL CANDIDATES AND SCIENTISTS IS ONE OF SINE QUA NON PRECONDITIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE AND MORE COMPETITIVE ECONOMY WITH STABLE GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS

It is of no doubt that exchange of experiences, which can and should be promoted by doctoral candidates and scientists, is pivotal to the Europe of knowledge

Principles of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund have become an inherent part of the “Europe 2020” strategy for social and economic development in the of area academic and scientific cooperation, raising education standards at HEIs by boosting the number of scientific mobilities, the development of innovativeness, and creating sustainable links between the worlds of science, business and research. Support for, and modernisation of, higher education, including the mobility of doctoral candidates and scientists are sine qua non preconditions for the development of an innovative and more competitive economy with stable growth in employment numbers.

It is of no doubt that exchange of experiences, which can and should be promoted by doctoral candidates and scientists, is pivotal to the Europe of knowledge. Aiming at the proposed R&D to GDP expenditure ratio of 1.7%, which our country should achieve in 2020, we should learn from the best. At present, Switzerland spends 2.9% of its GDP for R&D, whereas the EU’s goal is 3% of GDP allocated for that purpose. The majority of Swiss scientists who work at HEIs publish the results of their work in periodicals included in the Philadelphia List at least once a year. A statistical Polish scientist does it once in three years. However, the estimates show that an increase in outlays for Polish science by only 10% will result in the growth of scientific effectiveness by 40% (data according to the report entitled Produktywność naukowa wyższych szkół publicznych w Polsce (Scientific Productivity of Public HEIs in Poland)).

Foundation for the Development of the Education System has acted as a Contact Point in Poland since 2009. PolishSwiss cooperation established as part of the implementation of projects by fellows of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund has paved the way for the transfer of good practices and innovations and resulted in improved quality at HEIs who are members of research consortia.

Some discoveries and successes of Polish scientists conducting research and working in Switzerland have become known all over the world. Over the past few years, more than 100 Poles have participated in the research resulting in the launch of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, thanks to which the discovery of a new elementary particle, which may be the long sought after Higgs boson, has been announced. I believe that thanks to the projects implemented by Polish fellows of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund, the results of their work, which so far have been known only in scientific circles, will become known to the general public.

I am convinced that thanks to research projects implemented as part of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund, cooperation established by Polish and Swiss scientific consortia will strengthen links between the world of science, business and research, and will boost the attractiveness and prestige of Polish scientific circles in the international arena. Have an interesting read.

MIROSŁAW MARCZEWSKI GENERAL DIRECTOR FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Higher expenditure on research and intensified cooperation between Polish and Swiss scientists has been possible thanks to the launch of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund, for whom the Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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The Scientific Exchange Programme: a successful and promising instrument to strengthen the scientific collaboration between Poland and Switzerland

land will participate in 2 more calls for tenders until the end of the Programme).

As part of the Swiss Contribution to the New Member States (NMS) of the European Union, the Scientific Exchange Programme (Sciex-NMS ch) aims at contributing to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union through fostering the scientific capacities of researchers in the NMS and promoting sustainable research partnerships between the NMS and Switzerland.

The Scientific Exchange Programme provides generous funding and a unique opportunity for Junior Researchers from the New Member States first to boost their scientific career, second to develop new capacities and search in a new scientific environment liberated from any further academic obligations and with optimal research and working conditions, and, finally, to gain international experience and extend their scientific networks. Furthermore, through these research placements, institutional partnerships are enhanced and sustainably established.

A total amount of approx. 45 million Swiss Francs has been earmarked for the Scientific Exchange Programme for the duration 2009 to 2016. Since its beginning, around 300 Fellowships were granted, which means that a part of the innovative projects of 300 highly qualified Junior Researchers will be conducted in Switzerland under the supervision of Senior Researchers, located both in Switzerland and in the New Member States. At the end, around 460 twelve-months Fellowships are expected.

Poland is the largest partner within the Scientific Exchange Programme – with the highest budget of 12 million Swiss Francs and, consequently, the highest number of granted projects (89 in 4 different calls for tenders – knowing that Po-

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The granted projects are gender-balanced and are mainly conducted by PostDocs (53 vs. 36 by Doctoral Candidates).

The granted projects are developed in all scientific fields but the most represented fields are Chemistry (15 projects), Engineering Sciences (11 projects) and Legal and Social Sciences & Economics (11 projects). More than 60% of the granted projects have a duration of 12 months.

Mandated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) is in charge of the implementation and management of the Scientific Exchange Programme. CRUS is proud of being part of this success story, of the culture of excellence which has merged within the Scientific Exchange Programme and of the diversity of the projects conducted.

The Scientific Exchange Programme generates namely an impressive amount of new discoveries, knowledge, ideas and scientific networks.

This publication realized by our Polish partners from FRSE allows us to have an insight in some of the Polish-Swiss granted projects. CRUS wishes you to enjoy the reading!

AUDE PACTON SCIEX PROGRAMME MANAGER RECTORS’ CONFERENCE OF THE SWISS UNIVERSITIES (CRUS)

From among new member states of the European Union, Poland is the country which sends the largest number of scientists with support of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund. So far, 96 projects have obtained co-financing

Switzerland stands not only for watches, Lindt chocolate, fondue, skiing in the Alps and its four official languages. It is also famous for highly valued scientists, among them 25 Nobel prize laureates such as, to mention only two: Jean Henri Dunant – laureate of the first peace prize, and Werner Arber and Kurt Wüthrich – prize winners in the field of medicine and chemistry, who may be followed by Polish scientists participating in scientific exchanges as part of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund.

The founding of scientific partnerships that develop the capacities of individual scientists and lead to establishment and strengthening of cooperation between scientists from Switzerland and Poland is the main goal of projects implemented as part of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund.

From among the new member states of the European Union, Poland is the country which sends the largest number of scientists with support of the Fund. Since 2009, 333 applications have been filed and 96 projects have obtained co-financing.

And their number is bound to grow, because as of the date of this publication the data for the 2012 selection are not yet known. We will also have the last selection round in 2013, and it is worth mentioning that CHF 12 million has been earmarked for the Scholarships programme.

tists as it offers opportunities for the development of professional careers at the world’s best research centres, which indeed is a very attractive offer. Scholarships in Switzerland pave the way for the international careers of Polish scientists.

Many young scientists have conducted research in, and benefited from being immersed in the international and intercultural environment of, Swiss HEIs, from consultations with foreign experts and from access to advanced scientific facilities.

This publication presents the experiences of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund fellows and quotes their opinions on implemented projects. It also describes the added value of their stays in Switzerland for their professional and scientific careers. We hope that contacts established and friendships made during implementation of projects will last after their completion and bring mutual benefits in the future.

I hope you will enjoy reading this publication and have many ideas for inspiring projects submitted as part of the last call for proposals under the fund, which will be staged in autumn 2013!

KATARZYNA ALEKSANDROWICZ DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

From the beginning of its operations, the SCIEX Scholarship Fund has enjoyed considerable interest on the part of scien-

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THE MAIN GOAL OF THE FRSE IS SUPPORT OF ACTIVITIES AIMED AT THE REFORM AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN POLAND

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ADMINISTERS THE LARGEST PROGRAMMES IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION IMPLEMENTED IN POLAND

Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE) – Contact Point of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund The main goal of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System is support of activities aimed at the reform and development of the system of education in Poland. In order to achieve this goal, the Foundation: • administers foreign cooperation programmes in the field of education; • supports analytical and case studies implemented as part of the programmes, which support the reform of the education system; • programmes the cooperation of Polish educational institutions with their counterparts abroad; • initiates cooperation with Polish and foreign educational institutions and organisations.

Operations of the Foundation, which facilitate the participation of school and university staff in assistance programmes aimed at improving the quality of education, support the reform and the development of the education system in Poland. The programmes put into practice a number of initiatives of the European Union, whose priorities include: • increasing the number of investments in human resources; • getting rid of social divisions and inequality; • supporting educational aspirations; • promoting cooperation aimed at improving the quality of educational services; • promoting lifelong learning.

The Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE) administers the largest programmes of the European Union in the field of education implemented in Poland. FRSE was the sole operator of the Tempus programme, which supported the modernisation of higher education in Central and Eastern European countries. Thanks to the experience acquired during the administration of the Tempus programme, following the European Commission’s decision to include Poland in the group of countries participating in the Socrates programme, the Foundation became the National Agency of the Socrates and Socrates II programmes, and for many years was responsible for managing all its subprogrammes; Erasmus, Grundtvig and Comenius. FRSE has also administered the Youth programme in the field of infor-

mal education, which since 2007 has been called the Youth in Action programme.

In 2007, according to the decision of the Polish educational authorities, FRSE was appointed as the central institution responsible for the implementation of the Lifelong Learning Programme and all its sub-programmes: Comenius, Erasmus, Grundtvig and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Foundation also acts as the National Contact Point for Erasmus Mundus and Tempus programmes, as the National Office of Eurodesk Poland and as a Resource Centre of SALTO EECA which is an EU initiative promoting cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. FRSE also manages the European Language Label competition and the eTwinning action. Last but not least, the Polish EURYDICE Unit operates at the Foundation (Eurydice is a European educational information network).

Programmes administered by FRSE: • The Lifelong Learning Programme and its sub-programmes: – Comenius – preschool and school education, – Erasmus – higher education, – Leonardo da Vinci – vocational education and training, – Grundtvig – adult education, – Study Visits, – LLP Preparatory Visits; • Youth in Action; • Erasmus Mundus; • Tempus; • EURODESK; • SALTO EECA; • European Language Label; • eTwinning; • EURYDICE; • Polish-Lithuanian Youth Exchange Fund; • Scholarship and Training Fund (STF); • SCIEX Scholarship Fund; • Human Capital Operational Programme – three projects implemented as part of Priority III: High Quality of the Education System.

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SINCE 2009, THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS OPERATED AS A CONTACT POINT FOR THE SCIEX SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN POLAND

Description of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund The Scientific Exchange Programme, as part of which the SCIEX Scholarship Fund is implemented, aims at contributing to the reduction of economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union through fostering the scientific capacities of researchers in new member states and promoting sustainable research partnerships between the ten new member states and Switzerland.

The Fund was launched in 2009 as part of the Scientific Exchange Programme between Switzerland and new member states of the European Union SCIEX–NMSch for the years 2009–2016. As part of the Programme, it is possible to apply for grants for the implementation of research programmes in all academic disciplines, as part of which two scientists or two units (one from Switzerland and one from a new member state) wish to cooperate, provided that they avail of indispensable specialist knowledge and qualified human resources.

Scientists working at prestigious research and educational institutions in 10 new member states, including Poland, are immediate beneficiaries of the programme.

From the very beginning, the programme has enjoyed large interest on the part of scientists, and each year the applications outnumber the available posts. So far, 96 Polish scientists have been to work in Switzerland under the programme.

From among the new member states of the European Union, Poland is the country which sends the largest number of scientists for SCIEX Scholarships. In 2011, Polish scientists obtained CHF 1.7 million for staging scientific research in Switzerland. Polish research projects constitute nearly 44% of all the applications financed under the programme. Thanks to the exchanges, doctoral students, scientists and their mentors have many opportunities to share their experiences and raise their professional qualifications. The SCIEX Scholarship Fund is addressed to representatives of all fields of science with no age limitation. Doctoral candidates and PostDocs can leave for research stays in Switzerland lasting from 6 to 24 months. An annual scholarship amounts to from CHF 50,000 to 80,000 CHF.

Poland is the country which sends the largest number of scientists for SCIEX Scholarships

Goals of the Fund The main goal of projects implemented as part of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund is to establish scientific partnerships which will: • develop individual researchers’ capacities (human capital); • foster scientific progress and innovation (scientific prospects); • establish or enhance networks between researchers (networking).

The Fund’s Budget The total Fund allocation for Poland amounts to CHF 12 million.

Who can apply?

Consortia composed of scientific and research institutes from Switzerland and Poland can apply for grants under the Scholarship Fund. The main applicant is a Swiss host institution, which acting in cooperation with a sending institution from Poland, coordinates the application process and within the deadline stipulated for each Call sends the application to the intermediary institution, i.e. the Swiss Conference of University Rectors (CRUS).

The list of eligible Polish institutions is published on the following website: www.programszwajcarski.gov.pl and includes: HEIs, units of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and national research institutes.

The list of eligible Swiss institutions is published on the following website: www.sciex.ch and includes: HEIs, research institutions of the federal institutes of technology domain, universities of applied sciences and research institutions subsidised by the Swiss Confederation.

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Prior to filing an application under the Scientific Exchange Programme between Switzerland and New Member States of the European Union (SCIEX–NMSch), a host institution from Switzerland must sign a framework cooperation agreement with CRUS, which includes an obligation to observe the provisions of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Eligible project costs Table 1. Eligible costs of scholarships for Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers from Poland Category

Eligible costs

Scholarship

Scholarship: Doctoral Candidates – CHF 50,000 over the first 12 months of the stay Doctoral Candidates – CHF 55,000 over the next 12 months of the stay Junior Researchers – CHF 80,000 over the 12 months of the stay (max. length of the stay – 18 months)

Transport

Costs of travel between Poland and Switzerland (max. CHF 1,000) Transport in Switzerland (max. CHF 1,000)

Other

Participation in conferences (including external catering and hotel accommodation costs) Publication costs (max. CHF 500)

What projects can be funded?

As part of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund, a consortium composed of a Polish sending institution and Swiss host institution may apply for co-financing of the following projects: Scholarships for Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (PostDocs) from Poland, in order to conduct research at research institutes in Switzerland. Scholarships are awarded for a period lasting from 6 to 24 months. The contribution for a six-month stay of a Doctoral Candidate amounts to CHF 25,000 in the first year and CHF 27,500 in the second year. Grants awarded to Junior Researchers amount to CHF 40,000. Additional funds are earmarked for the reimbursement of e.g. travel costs (up to a given limit).

Stays of individual scientists from Poland or Switzerland in order to prepare research projects or stays related to their implementation, i.e. 5-day stays in Switzerland or Poland, the co-financing of which amounts to CHF 2,500.

The supported projects should contribute to raising professional qualifications and the development of scientific and research cooperation.

Calls for proposals Calls for proposals are staged annually. The last Call for proposals by Polish-Swiss scientific consortia is planned for autumn 2013.

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Table 2. . Eligible costs of short research visits by scientists from Switzerland and Poland Category

Eligible costs (max. CHF 2,500)

Transport

Costs of travel between Poland and Switzerland. Transport within the country.

Accommodation and board

Hotel accommodation costs Expenses

The SCIEX Scholarship Fund is addressed to representatives of all fields of science with no age limitation

Contact

Open Calls for proposals

SCIEX Contact Point in Poland Foundation for the Development of the Education System ul. Mokotowska 43 00-551 Warsaw tel.: +48 22 46 31 000 email: sciex@frse.org.pl www.sciex.pl

1st Call for proposals 2009 As part of the 1st call for proposals 2009 (deadline for submitting applications: 1 November 2009), 77 applications were submitted to CRUS. Co-financing was awarded to 26 projects (more than 33%), out of which 13 projects were implemented by Poland and the total grant exceeded CHF 1,000,000.

Among the co-financed projects was one from Estonia and 12 from the Czech Republic.

Intermediary Institution for the Scholarship Fund Rektorenkonferenz der Schweizer Universitäten (Conference of Swiss University Rectors (CRUS)) International Relations of CRUS Post box 607 CH - 3000 Bern 9 tel.: +41 31 306 60 36 e-mail: sciex@crus.ch www.sciex.ch Swiss Contribution Office in Poland Address for correspondence: Swiss Embassy in Poland Swiss Contribution Office in Poland Aleje Ujazdowskie 27 00-540 Warsaw tel.: +48 22 553 89 20 e-mail: warsaw@sdc.net www.swiss-contribution.admin.ch/poland/ National Coordination Unit Ministry of Regional Development Department for Aid Programmes and Technical Assistance ul. Wspólna 2/4 00-926 Warsaw tel.: +48 22 273 78 00 e-mail: sppw@mrr.gov.pl www.programszwajcarski.gov.pl

In the 1st Call for proposals the total contribution exceeded CHF 1,900,000, including:

CHF 1,021,500 awarded to Poland CHF 78,500 awarded to Estonia

CHF 800,000 awarded to the Czech Republic

Research projects were implemented by: cantonal universities (16); the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (7); research institutes (3). 12 researchers were women, and 14 researchers were men.

2nd Call for proposals 2010 As part of the 2nd Call for proposals closed on 1 April 2010, 106 applications were filed, including:

6 from Estonia 7 from Slovenia

58 from Poland

15 from Lithuania 20 from Hungary

On 26 August 2010, the Steering Committee made a decision to co-finance 26 research projects from Poland out of 58 Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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From the very beginning, the programme has enjoyed large interest on the part of scientists, and each year the applications outnumber the available posts

applications submitted (45% of the total number of submitted applications). The total contribution to Polish projects in the second Call for proposals exceeded CHF 2,000,000.

3rd Call for proposals 2010 As part of the 3rd Call for proposals closed on 1 November 2010, 166 applications were submitted, including:

4th call for proposals 2011 As part of the 4th Call for proposals closed on 1 November 2011, co-financing was awarded to 58 applications, including: 2 from Latvia

21 from Poland

3 from Estonia 4 from Bulgaria

5 from Latvia 9 from Estonia 18 from Slovakia 19 from Hungary

7 from Romania 84 from Poland 31 from the Czech Republic

Out of 84 applications submitted by Polish researchers, 79 were subject to quality assessment. On 24 March 2011, the Steering Committee made a decision to co-finance 29 research projects from Poland (37% of the total number of projects subject to assessment). In total, the contribution to Polish projects in the third Call for proposals amounted to CHF 2,597,600. Research projects from Poland (29) formed 44% of the total number of applications under this selection round (66).

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21 from the Czech Republic

Out of 84 applications submitted, 81 were subject to quality assessment. On 29 March 2012, the Steering Committee made a decision to co-finance 21 research projects from Poland (26% of the total number of projects subject to evaluation).

In total, the contribution to Polish projects in the fourth Call for proposals amounted to CHF 1,762,662.50. Research projects from Poland (21) formed 36% of the total number of applications co-financed under this selection round (58).

5th call for proposals 2012 Until the moment of printout of this publication (December 2012), quality assessment of applications submitted as part of the Call for research stays of Polish scientists in Switzerland is still being conducted. As part of the Call closed on 1 November 2012, 67 applications were submitted from Poland.

As a result of formal assessment, 61 projects from Poland were sent for quality assessment. The Steering Committee will make a decision concerning co-financing of projects during a meeting that will be held in March 2013.

List of featured projects Bottom-up model of strategy selection (Uwagowy model wyboru strategii decyzyjnych) – Szymon Wichary; University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Cognitive Studies (p. 22) The ‘Russian Bear’ Metaphor in 19th Century Swiss Press Discourse (Metafora „rosyjskiego niedźwiedzia” w szwajcarskim dyskursie prasowym w XIX w.) – Magdalena Żakowska; University of Łódź (p. 24) Spatial planning and development of bicycle tourism in Polish-Swiss comparative analysis (Planowanie przestrzenne i rozwój turystyki rowerowej – polsko-szwajcarska analiza porównawcza) – Anna Kurkowska; University of Warsaw (p. 28) The UE Presidency after the Lisbon Treaty – towards the Supranationalisation of the EU Council (Prezydencja w Unii Europejskiej po Traktacie Lizbońskim – w stronę supranacjonalizacji Rady UE) – Rafał Riedel; University of Opole (p. 29) Swiss Light Source Performance Improvement Project – Piotr Tracz; Jagiellonian University (p. 31) QoHealth: QoE Optimalisation for Health Tele-monitoring and Tele-treatment Systems with Constrained QoS (QoHealth: Optymalizacja QoE dla systemów telemedycznych z ograniczeniami parametrów QoS) – Lucjan Janowski; AGH University of Science and Technology (p. 34)

on Carbon Containing Fuels (NANO-SOFC) (Preparatyka i charakterystyka nanostrukturalnych alternatywnych anod dla stałotlenkowych ogniw paliwowych, z uwzględnieniem paliw węglowych NANO-SOFC) – Dariusz Burnat; AGH University of Science and Technology (p. 38) Short- and long-lived unconscious information processing investigated with two types of EEG analysis: waveforms and microstates (Badanie przetwarzania krótkoi długotrwałych informacji nieświadomych za pomocą dwóch rodzajów analiz EEG: falowej i mikrostanów) – Izabela Szumska; University of Finance and Management in Warsaw (p. 41) Time and Modality, A Formal Perspective (Czas i Modalność, Perspektywa Formalna) – Jacek Wawer; Jagiellonian University (p. 44) Preparation of carbon modified TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental applications (Otrzymywanie fotokatalizatorów na bazie ditlenku tytanu modyfikowanych węglem z zastosowaniem w środowisku) – Ewelina Kusiak-Nejman; West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (p. 48) Influence of processing on bioactive compounds in pomegranates (Wpływ procesów przetwórczych na związki bioaktywne owocu granatu) – Anna Horszwald; Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn (p. 49)

The intellectual on the borderlines. Carl Albert Loosli as a columnist in the beginning of the 20th century in the medial and cross-cultural context of Switzerland – Dariusz Komorowski; University of Wrocław (p. 35)

Validation of HTS-solubility measurements method for drug-nanoparticle-solvent systems (Walidacja wysokosprawnej metody badania rozpuszczalności leków w układach lek–nanocząstka–rozpuszczalnik) – Aleksandra Pelczarska; Warsaw University of Technology (p. 51)

Preparation and Characterisation of Nanostructured, Alternative Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Anodes with Focus

SedTrace – Organic micropollutant-based Fingerprinting and Tracing of Sediment emissions from urban areas Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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Polish research projects constitute nearly 44% of all the applications financed under the Programme each year

(SedTrace – Oznaczanie źródeł i śledzenie emisji osadów z obszarów miejskich na podstawie mikrozanieczyszczeń organicznych) – Anna Elżbieta Sikorska; Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego (p. 52) Human Milk Fat Substitutes (Zamienniki tłuszczu mleka kobiecego) – Joanna Bryś; University of Life Sciences in Warsaw (p. 56) Multifunctional saccharide derivatives in gelcasting of high tech ceramics (MULTIGEL) (Wielofunkcyjne pochodne sacharydów w formowaniu zaawansowanych tworzyw ceramicznych metodą gelcasting) – Paulina Wiecińska (Bednarek); Warsaw University of Technology (p. 58) Investigation of absorption and metabolism of hydrolysable and condensed tannins with an in vitro Caco2 transwell model (Badanie wchłaniania i metabolizmu tanin hydrolizujących i skondensowanych w modelu in vitro z zastosowaniem linii komórkowej Caco-2) – Agnieszka Kosińska; Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn (p. 60)

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Determination of the size-dependent phase diagram and thermodynamical behaviour of nanostructured brazing filler metals (Wyznaczenie wpływu wielkości cząstki na termodynamikę oraz diagram fazowy nanowymiarowego spoiwa lutowniczego) – Grzegorz Garzeł; Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences (p. 66) Investigation of the effects of electrospinning conditions on the structure and selected properties of polymeric blended nanofibers for tissue engineering, ESNANOTIS (Badania wpływu warunków elektroprzędzenia na strukturę i wybrane właściwości włókien dwuskładnikowych do zastosowania w inżynierii tkankowej) – Dorota Kołbuk; Institute of Fundamental Technology Problems, Polish Academy of Sciences (p. 68) Simultaneous PIV/LIF for local flame front characterization (Symultaniczne badania PIV/LIF dla określenia własności płomieni kinetycznych) – Rafał Ślefarski; Poznań University of Technology (p. 70)

Structure and interactions of U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (Struktura i interakcje małej, jądrowej rybonukleoproteiny U7 snRNP) – Katarzyna Dorota Raczyńska; Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (p. 62)

Optimisation and upscaling of the synthesis of ferromagnetic nanoparticles and their integration in a polymeric matrix. NANOMAGN) (Optymalizacja i zwiększenie skali syntezy ferromagnetycznych nanocząstek i ich integracja do polimerowej matrycy.

NANOMAGN) – Izabela Bobowska; Łódź University of Technology (p. 73)

eTourism Reputation Index (eTourRep) (E-turystyczny Indeks Reputacji) – Łukasz Stokłosa; University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów (p. 64)

Metaphysics of Mental Life (Metafizyczne podstawy funkcjonowania umysłu) – Sebastian Tomasz Kołodziejczyk; Jagiellonian University (p. 75)

DESCRIPTIONS OF RESEARCH PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY SCIEX FELLOWS

The research provided a precise answer to the question how people process information before making a decision when they are under the influence of stress, and which decision strategy they use on such occasions

Beginning of cooperation I began working with Prof. Rieskamp, my Swiss mentor, in 2000. At the time I had a doctoral placement at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin where the professor studied for his PhD.

Fellow: Szymon Wichary, PhD Project: Bottom–up model of strategy selection Subject area: psychology Project duration: from 01.10.2010 to 30.09.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Social Sciences and Humanities / Prof. Grzegorz Sędek Host institution / Host mentor: University of Basel / Prof.

Jörg Rieskamp

Dr. Szymon Wichary is an Assistant Professor at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Cognitive Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. His main interests include the role of personality, emotions and stress in decision making and the biological sources of individual differences (temperament, personality, readiness to take risks).

In his research he uses computer-based cognitive tasks, psychophysiological methods (hormone concentration and electrodermal activity measuring) and computational modelling of decision processes. In his interdisciplinary projects he willingly cooperates with researchers specialising in various areas. He has studied psychology and biology at the Jagiellonian University, where he was awarded his PhD degree in 2004. When studying for this title he had a placement at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin.

His SCIEX Post-Doctoral placement was at the Centre for Economic Psychology at the University of Basel.

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Project description The purpose of my SCIEX fellowship project was to conduct empirical research, create a computer model of decision making strategy selection as well as analyse data gathered in connection with the model. The focus of my research was slightly modified in the course of the project – one part of my empirical research could not be done because of time limitations, however, relevant research procedures were created, so the intended creation of the computer model was achieved.

The main outcome of the project was a description of relations between emotional stress and decision making.

The research provided a precise answer to the question how people process information before making a decision when they are under the influence of stress, and which decision strategy they use on such occasions. In the course of this research I used a computer-based decision task and emotional arousal physiological measurement for the task duration. A data analysis showed that emotional arousal was directly linked to the quantity of pre-decisional information processing – the higher the arousal, the less information was processed. Also strategy selection, that is the strategy of integrating acquired information, is different in people under high emotional arousal – as their information processing capacity is limited, they use a simple decision heuristic that integrates no information, but allows them to make a choice on the basis of one crucial decision instruction. The computer model of decision making takes into consideration these high emotional arousal information processing characteristics and answers the question of how stress influences strategy selection.

Project outcomes I ran this project at the Centre for Economic Psychology at the University of Basel where that kind of research had not been done before. The host institution benefited from the innovativeness of the research: these physiological methods of emotional arousal measurement had never been applied there. Assistants running the research were trained during this project and the project outcomes were presented at an internal seminar at the Centre for Economic Psychology.

Benefits for the sending institution: as its worker I have gained advanced knowledge of decision making computational modelling and of advanced methods of data analysis.

I have presented the outcomes of the project at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Cognitive Studies.

The Centre for Economic Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Applied Cognitive Studies continue to cooperate in the scope of three co-implemented projects: 1. Influence of ageing on sequential decision making (co-ordinator: Prof. Grzegorz Sędek)

2. SCIEX project continuation – influence of emotional stress on decision making in a changing environment (co-ordinator: Szymon Wichary, PhD) 3. Psychological and biological sources of individual differences in risky decision-making (co-ordinator: Szymon Wichary, PhD) The added value of the project The added value of my Swiss research project was an opportunity for undisturbed and continuous work on the chosen problem, conducted in good conditions (well-organised administration) and in a stimulating environment (a good team of very competent researchers familiar with the latest data processing methods). I am sure I would not have had such opportunities anywhere in Poland. These conditions allowed me to develop my research competences, e.g. gaining basic knowledge of advanced data processing techniques, which I have been extending for example through annual participation in modelling workshops organised at the University of Amsterdam. If not for the SCIEX Fellowship I would have had no opportunity to run my favourite research project and no opportunity for gaining the aforementioned advanced knowledge of data analysis.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Swimming in beautiful, clean rivers in the centre of a city, for example in the River Aare in Bern or in the Rhine in Basel, is one of the biggest pleasures that you can experience in Switzerland?

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The West is perceived as rational, creative, imperious and masculine, the East – as ‘thinking through the heart’, non-creative, submissive, feminine

Fellow: Magdalena Żakowska, PhD Project: The ‘Russian Bear’ metaphor in the 19th Century Swiss Press Discourse Subject area: history Project duration: from 15.05.2011 to 15.01.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Łódź / Prof. Andrzej de Lazari Host institution / Host mentor: University of St. Gallen / Prof.

Ulrich Schmid Dr. Magdalena Żakowska is an Assistant Professor at the Chair of Central and Eastern Europe at the Faculty of International and Political Studies (WSMiP) at the University of Łódź.

She graduated from WSMiP and from the School of Humanities at the same university. She is the author of a monograph entitled Russland and Polendeutsche. Cultural conditioning of late German migrants from Russia and Poland (Łódź 2011) and together with A. de Lazari and O. Nadskakuła she wrote Cultural conditioning of European nations (Łódź 2007), she also translated the work by A. de Lazari and O. Riabov entitled Poles and Russians in mutual caricature (Warsaw 2008). She was the secretary of two projects implemented within the Committee for Scientific Research (KBN): Mutual prejudice between Poles and Russians and Ideas in Russia. Russian-PolishEnglish Lexicon, v. 6-7. She took part in organising a project financed by the Stefan Batory Fund Should we be afraid of Russia? with the participation of students of the Universities of Łódź, Latvia and Ivanovo.

Her main interests focus on the problems of perceiving Russia in European cultures.

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Beginning of cooperation Prof. Andrzej de Lazari, head of the Chair of Central and Eastern Europe at the Faculty of International and Political Studies of the University of Łódź, which is my workplace, encouraged me to get in contact with Prof. Ulrich Schmid who is an eminent expert on Russia’s culture and history. My scientific mentors had known each other for years, being actively involved in the International Dostoevsky Society.

Project description My project focused on analysing the specificity of the ‘Russian bear’ metaphor in the German-language Swiss press between the Congress of Vienna and the end of the 19th century (1815-1900). Basing on this example I tried to see a possible relationship between the then image of Russia in Switzerland and the ‘colonial discourse’ described by Edward Said, the American literary scholar, through which Europeans are said to perceive the Orient. His theory is mainly based on the assertion that, consciously or not, Westerners use a discourse in which the West is the main reference in deliberations on universal civilisation patterns and so-called universal values, whereas the East embodies all that is traditionally associated with backwardness and the absence of culture. The West is perceived as rational, creative, imperious and masculine, the East – as ‘thinking through the heart’, non-creative, submissive, feminine. The European discourse concerning the East reflects the logic of thinking in the categories of East-West, culture-nature, civilisation-barbarism, progress-backwardness, democracy-despotism. This way of perceiving the world, originating from the West, was to be internalised also in Eastern mentality.

In my research I intended to rely on source materials coming both from satirical German-language magazines, such as the Nebelspalter (published since 1875) and from the everyday German-language press: from the oldest and most opinionforming Swiss daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung (published since 1780), from the Tagesanzeiger Zürich (published since 1893) and from the St. Galler Tagblatt (published since 1841).

In the course of the project I found two Swiss satirical periodicals that were unknown to me and which were published in the 19th century – Der Gukkasten (from 1840 to 1850) and the Postheiri (1845 to 1875), so I included them in my preliminary research. Owing to access to an electronic viewer with archived issues of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung I researched this newspaper more thoroughly and extended the scope of the search to include the period from 1790 to 1900.

Analysing the Russian bear metaphor in the 19th century Swiss press I noticed some regularities. First of all, I noticed that the aforesaid metaphor had not appeared there until the middle of the 19th century. The oldest relevant note that I found dates back to 1849 and appeared in the periodical Der Gukkasten. The Russian bear metaphor kept appearing sporadically over the next decades to intensify in the 1880s and 1890s. In total I found 37 ‘Russian bear’ metaphors, 10 of them were in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 24 in the Nebelspalter, 2 in the Postheiri and one in Der Gukkasten. In the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, which was the mainstream press of that period, the term ‘Russian bear’ appeared relatively rarely as a synonym of Russia or things Russian. However, the satirical press of the last thirty years of the 19th century, represented mainly by the Nebelspalter, made relatively frequent references to the subject.

The ‘bear’ motif mainly appeared as a comment to armed interventions involving Russia, predominantly against Turkey.

The Crimean War (1853-1856) waged by Russia in order to obtain access to the Black Sea straits, and lost by that country, was the first confrontation with the Ottoman Empire in the period I researched. Not only were the Western powers on Turkey’s side in this conflict, but it also received military assistance from Great Britain, France and Sardinia. The then teething satirical press in Switzerland used the bear metaphor twice in the Postheiri to comment on what was happening on the ‘Eastern’ front.

Then the ‘Russian bear’ appeared in connection with the socalled Bulgarian war (1876-1877) waged for ‘the liberation of the Balkan nations from the Turkish yoke’. The Western powers limited their part in this conflict to the status of observers, but after Russia’s victory they forced the calling of a peace conference in Berlin at which a ‘fairer’ division of influence in the region was decided. Commenting on the war the Swiss press portrayed the tsarist state as a cynical friend of south Slavs.

The third time that the ‘Russian bear’ entered the Turkish zone of influence was in the 1880s in connection with the socalled Bulgarian question. After the death of Alexander II the relations between Alexander von Battenberg, the new Prince of Bulgaria appointed by the former, and Russia’s new ruler Alexander III were not exemplary. In 1883 the Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported that “Prince Alexander […] sees the necessity to free himself from the friendly hug of the Russian bear and opt for a German-Austrian alliance”. However, in 1886 the prince was dethroned as a result of a palace coup led by a ‘Russian party’, which caused a media storm in Europe and also in Switzerland, very much like the one caused by the Crimean war.

Research findings This discourse in question shows a gradual barbarisation and demonization of the ‘bear metaphor’. Its neutral overtones in the middle of the 19th century (the Russian bear as one of many animals in the international herd) rapidly changed into a distinctly negative ‘bear’ image at the end of the cenResearch Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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tury (the Russian bear as the only predator endangering European peace). I compared the Swiss press discourse with the corresponding discourse in other European countries to see that the Swiss discourse was unique through its specific moralising tendency. The Helvetian nation, the most democratic country of the world in the 19th century, simply seemed to aspire to play the part of Europe’s conscience.

It is worth stressing that there were also false tones in the Swiss moralising discourse. For example, when presenting the paternalistic stance of the Triple Alliance countries on the Balkan victims of Russia’s policy, the latter were shown as ‘Russia-like’. Both the tsarist state and the Balkans were seen as Asia’s outskirts – an ‘inferior’, ‘backward’ and ‘exotic’ part of the world whose stereotype functioned just like that of the Orient. The only difference was that Russia was ‘masculinised’ in the Swiss (and European) press discourse and the Balkans were ‘infantilised’ and ‘objectified’. This can be seen when looking at the most frequent metaphors of that period: dwarves, playful children, farm animals and even inanimate matter. One of the leading motifs in presenting the Balkans was depicting them as a melting pot stirred by devil or murky mud pulling its victims in.

In the course of my research I noted further analogies between the Swiss press discourse appertaining to Russia and the ‘colonial discourse’. The image of the tsarist state represented an antithesis of states representing (Western) Eu-

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ropean culture. Confronting the image of the ‘Russian bear’ with those representing civilised Europe, the satirists made it play the part of a barbarian aspiring to Europe’s salons. This was particularly visible when the bear metaphor was used in the discourse on Otto Bismarck’s policy meant to bring law and order in Europe and on the civilising potential of German culture. By opposing things German (European) to what was Russian, the Swiss press constructed clear networks of binary oppositions: order – chaos, creation – destruction, intellect – irrationality, self-control – short-temper, brutalisation.

In the period of the fin de siècle the image of the ‘Russian bear’ gained some characteristics turning it into an icon of decadence. The revolution in the alliances, such as the RussianFrench alliance of 1891-1893, triggered an avalanche of comments on the absurdity of an alliance between a European republic and a despotic monarchy – the noble Marianne with the polar bear. On the one hand, the image of the ‘Russian bear’ as an object of desire seemed a by-product of the Swiss press trying to show France as a ‘political whore’. On the other hand, the ‘Russian bear’ accompanying Marianne can be seen as a metaphor of Russian ‘crudeness’, being both the complement and antithesis of refinement, supposed to be characteristic of French culture.

This metaphor was also present in the context of RussianSwiss relations. Actually, this was in two contexts: that of

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

I did not have to show my tenancy agreement or appear at the Housing Office with my landlord to become officially registered as a resident (but I had to accept regulations prohibiting tenants from taking a shower between 10.00PM and 8.00AM or from washing clothes in their flats).

Switzerland’s asylum policy and in certain comparisons made by the Swiss concerning social order abroad as opposed to their own. The ‘bear’ metaphor was used by the Swiss to build an opposition between Helvetia – free, affluent and democratically ruled – and Russia, construed as an ‘Eastern despotic country’, prison of nations and the kingdom of anarchy. Sometimes the Russian nation was presented as a bear. In such cases it was present in just one context - that of the running dog of subsequent tsars. So depicted, the ‘Russian bear’ was perceived as putty in the hands that rule Russia and as a victim of ‘great politics’.

Project outcomes In the course of the project I shared my experience with students, PhD students and academic staff at the University of St. Gallen, for example by delivering an open lecture on the history and contemporary connotations of the ‘Russian bear’ image in the West. I also participated in a seminar entitled Polish Politics, Economy and Society, held jointly by Prof. Ulrich Schmid and Dr. Rafał Riedel. For this purpose I prepared a speech on the influence of Polish Catholicism on our country’s social and political life.

Owing to my fellowship, students and PhD students of Russian studies at the University of St. Gallen had an opportunity to participate in two interesting lectures held by Prof.

Andrzej de Lazari during his study visits at that university in the capacity of my Polish mentor. The lectures were on mutual prejudices between Poles and Russians and on the categories of nation and identity in Polish and Russian political thought.

SCIEX fellowship benefits I gained a lot by participating in sessions on relations between culture and the specificity of creating biographical narratives, in a seminar on theories of culture and in lectures on the life and works of Anton Chekhov, delivered

by Prof. Ulrich Schmid and Prof. Dieter Thomä. I decided to incorporate certain issues of Swiss political and cultural life as well as some issues of satirical discourse into my classes at the University of Łódź. My faculty students were thrilled to hear Prof. Schmid’s lecture (delivered in Polish!) entitled Constitution and Narrative. European Traditions and Their Russian Modifications in Key Legal Acts of the USSR and the Russian Federation, during his study visit in the capacity of my host mentor.

The Universities of Łódź and St. Gallen are planning to continue their cooperation – at the moment some formalities are being settled before a cooperation agreement can be concluded, on the strength of which the academic staff of both universities will be able to deliver guest lectures.

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Fellow: Anna Kurkowska, PhD student Project: Spatial planning and development of bicycle tourism in Polish-Swiss comparative analysis Subject area: geography Project duration: from 01.02.2011 to 31.07.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Warsaw / Prof. Stefan Kałuski Host institution / Host mentor: University of Bern / Prof. Heike Mayer Anna Kurkowska holds a Master’s degree in tourism and recreation (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 2007), a Master’s degree in spatial planning (Adam Mickiewicz University, 2009) and since 01.10.2009 she has been a PhD student at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies (University of Warsaw). SCIEX Fellow at the University of Bern and holder of a KAAD scholarship at the University of Trier, she is currently at the University of Canberra within the framework of the Australian Award, Socrates-Erasmus landscaping studies at the University of Dresden. She has also cooperated with the Leibnitz-Institut für Őkologische Raumentwicklung in Dresden.

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Beginning of cooperation I contacted my Swiss mentor just before making an application for the research that I had planned. The purpose of my project was to analyse Swiss model solutions in spatial planning and bicycle tourism development and to gather extensive practical experience. The subject of my research is not popular in Poland, there is not enough subject literature, too few model case studies and not enough examples of analysis of good practice. It would have been difficult to do my research on spatial planning and bicycle tourism development in my sending institution whose research funds are rather limited.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I would have not met many specialists and experts directly or indirectly involved in the subject of my research. I would have had no opportunity to run so-called best practice analysis. My fellowship in Switzerland was an ideal opportunity to familiarise myself with current research trends and with the world literature on this subject, which greatly contributed to my further academic development. After the SCIEX fellowship I was able to undergo a short research fellowship programme in Germany and some months later I was the winner of the Australian Award, so at the moment I am at the University of Canberra.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

There are half-day bank holidays in the canton of Zurich, which are days off from noon onwards? of Oslo and at the Centre for Comparative and International Studies/ETH in Zurich.

Fellow: Rafał Riedel, PhD Project: The UE Presidency after the Lisbon Treaty – towards the supranationalisation of the EU Council Subject area: political science Project duration: from 01.07.2011 to 30.06.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Opole / Prof. Krzysztof Zuba Host institution / Host mentor: Federal Institute of Technology / Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig Dr. Rafał Riedel graduated from the University of Silesia and the University of Economics in Katowice. He presented his PhD thesis at the Institute of Political Science and Journalism. He is an Assistant Professor at the Chair of International Relations at the University of Opole. He has delivered lectures in Rotterdam, Valencia, Bratislava, St. Gallen and Berlin. Grant holder of the Open Society Institute, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, Marie Curie Fellowship Programme and Grant and Training Fund. Participant and organiser of a number of research and educational projects in Europe and the USA, he is the author of several dozen socio-political-economic publications (monographs, collective works, scientific papers and current affairs articles) in: Anthenaeum, Przegląd Politologiczny, Studia Europejskie, Przegląd Europejski, Wspólnota Europejska, Politea, Polish Foreign Affairs Digest, Studia Medioznawcze, Zeszyty Prasoznawcze, Wrocławskie Studia Politologiczne, Przegląd Zachodni, Stosunki Międzynarodowe and many more. Rafał Riedel conducted his research during his visits to the following institutions: Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies in Cologne and Max Planck Institute for the Study of Collective Goods in Bonn, European University Institute in Florence, ARENA – Centre for European Studies/University

Beginning of cooperation I contacted the host mentor well in advance, specifically for the purposes of my planned project. We met at a ECPR (European Consortium for Political Research) conference in Porto in June 2010. I deliberately chose this mentor and the host institution for the reputation of the European Union Politics Research Group led by Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig.

Project description The purpose of my project was to analyse the political roles of EU member states exercising their presidency of the Council of the European Union after the Lisbon Treaty. Consequently, I had to review literature from the viewpoint of already existing roles and their evolution, starting from the establishment of a rotational presidency. Following that, I conducted my research by way of questionnaires and in-depth interviews concerning such variables as a country’s length of membership and its size. The results of this empirical investigation were confronted with selected excerpts from the theory of international regional integration, partly relating to the presidency of the Council, multilateral negotiations and the theory of leadership. As the project time was curtailed from 18 to 12 months I had to exclude the permanent president of the European Council from my analysis.

As a result of in-depth empirical investigation (data gathered in the aforementioned questionnaires and in-depth interviews) I identified the most important roles and functions of the presidency in the post-Lisbon period, and evaluated them on the scale of importance for my particular variables (length of membership and country size). Then, for the purpose of their interpretation, I compared the results of my empirical investigation with available subject literature. This comparison with the selected excerpts from the theory of international regional integration allowed positive verification Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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The main and basic added value – which I would not have been able to get staying in the home institution – was my contact with one of the most recognised European studies researchers in the world. The works of Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig on the EU’s enlargement policy, conditionality or the methodological basis of European research are the canon of world literature on the subject of the hypothesis concerning the progressive supranationalisation of the institution of the presidency and – consequently and potentially – of the Council itself. An analysis of the political roles of the EU member states exercising UE presidency after the Lisbon Treaty allowed me to produce several scientific texts for publication and gave me an opportunity to deliver numerous conference speeches.

Project outcomes The EU Politics Research Group from ETH/Zurich had not played host to a Central European researcher before. Taking into consideration the interests of some of its members, for example EU enlargement, decision making at the Council of the European Union, multilateral negotiations etc., my fellowship and research on the issues of EU presidency has contributed to an expansion of the scope of their research and to more detailed research in the important area of European studies. It is also worth mentioning that the visit of my project mentor from the University of Opole coincided with an

event called The Polish Day at ETH in Zurich which captured the attention of the Zurich academic circles.

The most important benefits resulting from the project The Polish sending institution has benefited from its participation in the SCIEX Scholarship Fund mainly through the participation of its workers (mine, as a fellow, and that of my home mentor) in its academic exchange with ETH – one of the best European HEIs. What’s more – on the occasion of my Swiss mentor’s visit to Poland, Opole University organised an open lecture delivered by Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig entitled European Union Institutions in the Times of Crisis. This lecture was an interesting contribution to the discussion of the current crisis in the Euro zone and attracted a more than 100-strong audience.

The research issues I dealt with in Switzerland have a future.

Therefore I intend to continue further analytical research on this and related subjects. My research was an essential element of my post-doctoral thesis and it will be continued as a concise monograph. The forms and scope of our future cooperation are currently being discussed with the Swiss partner – both as to the Polish and the Swiss offer.

The added value of the project The main and basic added value – which I would not have been able to get staying in the home institution – was my contact with one of the most recognised European studies researchers in the world. The works of Prof. Frank Schimmelfennig on the EU’s enlargement policy, conditionality or the methodological basis of European research are the canon of world literature on the subject The significant added value of the project consists in frequent consultations at individual research stages, having access to extensive libraries and being able to discuss the results with my Swiss colleagues. The research work of the EU Politics Re-

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search Group is one of the most advanced in its use of quantitative methods in political sciences, so my participation in Research Colloquiums and discussion of research projects and methodological dilemmas constituted an essential element of my fellowship, developing my workshop competence. If not for the fellowship, I would never have transferred the ‘Swiss quality’ and culture of work to my academic environment in Poland.

But the main inspiration, which may reverberate in my future professional life is my fascination with the quantitative methods that are applied by Prof. Schimmerfennig’s group, which are almost completely absent from Poland. There are only a few research centres in Europe which can apply quantitative methods so effectively in their research – Zurich is undoubtedly one such leading centre.

Consequently, my Swiss research visit – apart from the achievement of my SCIEX research project purposes – also brought a by-product in the shape of a plan to organise an educational programme for political scientists/European researchers developing their workshop competence in quantitative methods and their application in social science.

Fellow: Piotr Tracz, PhD Project: Swiss Light Source Performance Improvement Project Subject area: engineering science Project duration: from 01.11.2010 to 31.10.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Jagiellonian University / Prof. Krzysztof Królas Host institution / Host mentor: Paul Scherrer Institut /Terence Garvey, PhD Dr. Piotr Tracz was brought up in Niedomice near Tarnów. He was interested in science already at a young age. In 1999 he completed a technical secondary school specialising in radio engineering and television at the Complex of Mechanical and Electrical Schools in Tarnów. He then continued his education at the University of Science and Technology (AGH) in Cracow, being awarded a Master’s degree in solid-state physics at the Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science in 2004.

In 2009 he was awarded a PhD degree in physical science at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Cracow. In his PhD thesis Dr. Tracz discussed investigation of the magnetic properties of a new group of magnetic materials, so-called molecular magnetic materials. Since autumn 2009 Dr. Tracz has been working in a group implementing the project of the first Polish synchrotron, built at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow.

Beginning of cooperation The project of the first Polish synchrotron radiation source is being implemented in Cracow. The first idea of building a synchrotron in Poland dates back to 1998. That was when the Swiss Light Source (SLS) was being built in Switzerland.

A group of Cracow scientists started cooperating with the Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), the Swiss centre where the SLS was built. The Cracow synchrotron was to be similar to the one currently working at PSI. Soon it transpired that the budget of the Polish synchrotron project was too small to ensure the success of this undertaking. However, that period resulted in establishment of contacts with the Swiss centre, which facilitated the choice of my host mentor and the host institution. In the end the Cracow group obtained funds enabling the construction of a smaller, but just as modern, synchrotron.

Project description The principal purpose of my being at the Swiss centre consisted in gaining practical experience of working with a modern source of synchrotron radiation. Being familiar with particle accelerator issues is of paramount importance for independent work with the future Cracow synchrotron.

As no scientists or engineers had experience in accelerator physics and large particle accelerators, this visit to the modern centre in Switzerland was more than justified.

Knowledge of various engineering and physics domains, such as microwave technology, magnets, electron beam diagnostics, ultrahigh vacuum, cooling systems and control systems, is needed to operate a synchrotron light source. In the course of my project I intended to become familiar with all these areas and to participate in work on the improvement of storage ring optics in order to reduce the adverse effects of optical lattice non-linearity to improve electron beam quality, and also with measurement techniques determining electron beam parameters in storage rings and their control. IÂ also wanted to participate in research on optimising the process of injecting an electron beam into a storage ring.

The direction of my research was partly modified in relation to that initially intended because of the needs of the Cracow synchrotron, which made it necessary for me to become familiar with power RF microwave technology, both at the storage ring and in a linear accelerator forming the pre-injector of the Swiss synchrotron.

In the course of my research I took a series of measurements of the electron beam life span in the SLS storage ring. Having

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been processed, these measurements contributed to a better understanding of particle loss as well as to the investigation of electron beam quality. I took a number of electron beam parameter measurements, such as: emittance, energy spread and a cross-section of an electron beam in the storage ring.

The same measurements were taken at the linear accelerator of the synchrotron in Switzerland. The results obtained were confronted with simulations made with the use of ASTRA code software. The results obtained and the comparison with the simulations helped me optimise the parameters of synchrotron work. I performed the conditioning of the optical cavity of the storage ring and I optimised the parameters of the cooling system at a high power RF station. I also conditioned new impulse modulators and klystron amplifiers.

Moreover, I took measurements of the current characteristics of the new klystron amplifiers. I also conditioned a new cathode of the electron gun at the linear accelerator.

My research findings were up-to-date and important for the host institution as at the time work was being carried out on the Swiss synchrotron to improve its capacity, electron beam and emitted synchrotron radiation quality for research purposes in a number of scientific domains. I was at PSI when new components were installed at the Swiss synchrotron. It necessitated carrying out a number of tests and measurements. I participated personally in all the aforementioned work, actively cooperating with a group of experienced experts from the Swiss centre.

Project outcomes Thanks to my research in Switzerland the Polish institution has gained a worker ready for independent work with the modern source of synchrotron radiation which is being built in Cracow. Both centres continue their cooperation. The Swiss centre is testing the Polish experimental end station, which will be transported to Cracow to work at the Polish synchrotron. Moreover, for the purposes of the Polish synchrotron project, a bilateral cooperation agreement has been signed.

On the strength of this agreement the Polish party is obliged to cooperate in designing a free electron laser, whose construction is foreseen for 2013 in Switzerland.

The added value of the SCIEX fellowship Doing research at the Swiss centre is immensely prestigious.

Working with a real-life, modern appliance was the added

value of my fellowship. In my home institution only theoretical work would have been possible and by that I mean studying particle accelerator theory issues, with no possibilities of gaining practical experience. My fellowship at the Swiss centre has significantly raised my professional qualifications and made it possible for me to visit that picturesque country – Switzerland.

I am currently the coordinator of the linear accelerator at the Polish synchrotron project. My Swiss fellowship allowed me to define my own professional interests and to gain experience in working with a particle accelerator. At present, changes are being made to the original design of the linear accelerator of the Polish synchrotron to improve its capacity.

No such changes could have been made without the knowledge I gained at the Swiss centre.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• There are four official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Romansh, often called Rhaeto-Romance, spoken by 0.5% of the population. Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons.

• The Toblerone chocolate bar, famous for its triangular shapes, is meant to be reminiscent of the Matterhorn – one of alpine peaks.

• Only electrically driven vehicles may circulate in the picturesque town of Zermatt.

• The famous Ice Express train runs along the Alps. It takes 7.5 hours to go from Zermatt to St. Moritz.

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Fellow: Lucjan Janowski, PhD Project: QoHealth: QoE optimisation for Health Tele-monitoring and Tele-treatment Systems with constrained QoS Subject area: computer science Project duration: from 01.10.2010 to 01.03.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: AGH University of Science and Technology / Prof. Zdzisław Papir Host institution / Host mentor: University of Geneva / Prof.

Dimitri Konstantas Dr Lucjan Janowski works at the Telecommunications Faculty at the AGH University of Science and Technology. He was awarded his Master’s degree in 2002 and in 2006 – a PhD in telecommunications (both theses were written and presented at the University of Science and Technology). In 2007, he worked at CNRS-LAAS in France where he prepared anomaly detecting algorithms and an intelligent analysis of road traffic. In the academic year 2010/2011, he spent 6 months working at the University of Geneva, working on applications of quality of experience (QoE) to be used in medicine. His main interests include statistics and probable events modelling with subjective assumptions with the help of QoE evaluation.

He has taken part in a number of industrial and scientific projects. He is the author of a number of scientific studies.

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Project description The first contact between the HEIs was made at a COST project meeting (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). When planning my SCIEX project, I decided to establish cooperation in order to investigate the quality of transmission (a speciality of the home institution) from the perspective of medicine (a speciality of the University of Geneva).

My research concentrated on identifying the possibility of transmitting an ultrasound signal through the Internet in real time. The problem of that kind of network is that there is no support for traffic prioritisation. This means that it is impossible to foresee reasonably which resources could be used.

In the course of my research I used the x264 codec with the help of which I compressed some demonstration sequences.

The results I obtained were consulted with medical profes-

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• If your child has a temperature of 39.9 degrees, first you have to prove to a Swiss hospital that the child is insured otherwise you have to pay before the child gets a medicine to bring the fever down?

• If you live in Geneva, visit the webpage www.glocals.com • Switzerland is the country where the Ski World Cup takes place. You must watch it live!

sionals and I was able to confirm the hypothesis that this kind of transmission was possible. The subsequent steps of this analysis and the creation of suitable software were postponed until my return to Poland.

Project outcomes Thanks to my participation in the project the University of Geneva has gained knowledge of QoE research and an opportunity for extending medical examination by adding an ultrasound examination. The Polish institution has gained a new research subject related to quality in medicine. The cooperation between the two institutions will be continued on the condition that there are funds available for further research. The subject of quality of experience is extremely interesting and vital for my habilitation.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

The experience and knowledge of Prof. Antoine Geissbuhler were instrumental in the success of my research. Without his support, I would not have been able to do my research.

Owing to the SCIEX project I have a new research idea, probably the most interesting one that I am implementing. If not for the fellowship, I would not have got to know Prof. Geissbuhler’s extremely inspiring style of work or just as fascinating research areas which claim that it is the solution that is most important and not its complexity.

Fellow: Dariusz Komorowski, PhD Project: The Intellectual on the Borderlines. Carl Albert Loosli as a Columnist at the Beginning of the 20th Century in the Media and Cross-cultural context of Switzerland Subject area: Literature Project duration: from 01.10.2011 to 31.05.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Wrocław / Prof. Marek Hałub Host institution / Host mentor: University of Lausanne / Prof. Peter Utz Dr Dariusz Komorowski was born in Starachowice. He is a graduate of German and Dutch studies at the University of Wrocław. In 2000, he presented his PhD thesis entitled The aesthetics of movement in Jürg Laederach’s prose, written under the supervision of Prof. Norbert Honsza. Currently he is Assistant Professor at the German Speaking Countries and Silesian Culture Unit, whose head is Prof. Marek Hałub.

Since 2005, he has been running the Laboratory of the German Language Literature of Switzerland and in 2007 with its participation he organised the first international conference at the University of Wrocław, focusing exclusively on Swiss literature. He is the author and co-editor of a Polish-German publication entitled This Switzerland is not Switzerland, Jenseits von Frisch und Dürenmatt, a collection presenting the contemporary German language literature of Switzerland as well as a textbook for German studies students Ausgewählte Quellen im Diskursfeld <Identitäten>. Die Schweiz, describing the forming of the Swiss state and its citizens’ cultural identity. He has already had two Swiss grants – one from the government, the other from the Landis & Gyr Cultural foundation in the canton of Zug. His area of main interest concerns issues in literature and Swiss culture over the centuries, cross-culResearch Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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tural processes in the Swiss Confederation and the cultural identity of Switzerland’s inhabitants.

tions I had with local research workers I had the added benefit of confronting the assumptions, methods and progress of my research work.

Project description The choice of my host mentor was, so to speak, natural.

Swiss literature has been the main interest of Prof. Utz working at the University of Lausanne, which is reflected both in his extensive research and his didactic work. As we had mutual interests we were already familiar with our publications and we had met at conferences, for example at the World Congress of Germanists in Warsaw or at the Literature Days in Solura.

The restriction of the fellowship’s duration did not allow me to complete my project, but my evaluation of task completion and of what I achieved there is very positive. Access to the source material of the Archive of Literature and the National Library of Switzerland enabled me to do research on texts essential for my project. It is owing to them that I was able to become familiar with, and understand the historical and cultural context of, David Looslie’s writing as a columnist, his intellectual and literary connection network and I man-

The purpose of my project was to do research on David Looslie’s source texts which had not been published before and which were preserved at the Swiss Archive of Literature (feature articles, short stories, critical texts and letters) which may show the Swiss cultural processes of that period in a new light. In my opinion the categories of an ‘intellectual’ and ‘feature article’ as a modern means of expression in literature will allow demonstration of Switzerland’s specificity in the European context. Consultations with Prof. Utz and other workers of Lausanne’s German studies, and my work at the Archive of Literature and the National Library in Bern, fully confirmed my choice of research area and the theses I had put forward. Moreover, thanks to the conversa-

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The canton of Valais is home to Europe’s highest vineyards. The tradition of producing a variety of white wine called Heida (Savagnin grapes) is alive near the village of Visperterminen at an altitude of about 1100 m.

For a researcher of literature and culture, a stay of several-months in Switzerland is extremely valuable not only because it enables familiarity with new research methods, access to sources and contacts with colleagues, but also because it allows direct contact with the culture and everyday life of Swiss citizens. When experience is gained in this way, it directly translates into teaching work, its variety and fascination which can be passed onto students aged to define and investigate the literary strategies that he applied in the process of forming public opinion. Certain additional themes that appeared in the course of my research, but which could not be elaborated on for lack of time, open up new prospects for future projects which will be, at least partly, implemented in cooperation with the Swiss host mentor and his co-workers.

Project outcomes My research focused on an author whose works had never been subjected to philological and cultural analyses. My work at the Archive and the publication of my research resulting from it has a significant cognitive value for Swiss researchers not only as to the person of David Looslie, but also as to the period of those of his works that were widely assimilated in his lifetime.

The knowledge and experience I gained in Switzerland have a direct influence on the quality of my work at my home HEI – the University first of all consists of its academic staff and students. Also, when being in Switzerland, I had multiple opportunities for presenting, also in an international milieu, the research achievements of the Wrocław German studies workers, their research and teaching profile, all of which won wide recognition.

There will be future cooperation of the HEIs participating in my SCIEX project not only in research through implementing

more projects, but also in teaching – based on the cooperation of students in higher years.

If not for the SCIEX project…

The implementation of my project would not have been possible in Poland as there was no access to source materials. My work at the University of Lausanne enabled me to become familiar with a very interesting form of cooperation between West Switzerland’s universities as part of the project Master Network Littératures suisses/ Literaturen der Schweiz, coordinated by Prof. Utz. I hope that the experience I gained there enables me to improve the organisation of work at the Centre of German Language Literature of Switzerland which I run at Wrocław University. Apart from the fact that the project brought confirmation of the purposefulness of my work to date, my cooperation with my colleagues and my own research at the Archive of Literature and the National Library have opened up new prospects which, I hope, will result in more projects implemented in cooperation with Swiss university colleagues.

For a researcher of literature and culture, a stay of severalmonths in Switzerland is extremely valuable not only because it enables familiarity with new research methods, access to sources and contacts with colleagues, but also because it allows direct contact with the culture and everyday life of Swiss citizens. When experience is gained in this way, it directly translates into teaching work, its variety and fascination which can be passed onto students.

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thesis. In April 2012, he presented his PhD thesis, completed his doctoral studies with distinction, and was awarded his PhD title.

Fellow: Dariusz Burnat, PhD Project: Preparation and Characterisation of Nanostructured Alternative Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Anodes with Focus on Carbon Containing Fuels (NANO-SOFC) Subject area: chemistry Project duration: from 01.11.2009 to 30.04.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Science and Technology in Cracow / Dr. Dariusz Kata Host institution / Host mentor: EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics / Prof. Thomas Graule In 2002 Dr. Dariusz Burnat started studying materials engineering at the Higher Vocational State School in Tarnów, from which he graduated as a high achiever in 2006, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. He continued his studies at the University of Science and Technology (AGH), Faculty of Materials Engineering and Ceramics, where he participated in several research projects as a student. In 2007/2008 during his placement at the Swiss research institute known as EMPA he did research for his Master’s thesis which was subsequently awarded an honourable mention in the competition entitled “AGH diamonds”. In his thesis, he focused on the rheology of nanostructured colloids and their application in cathodes for SOFC applications. In 2008, he completed his studies with distinction and was awarded a Master’s degree in chemical engineering. Also in 2008, he started studying for his PhD at the Faculty of Materials Engineering and Ceramics at the University of Science and Technology. A year later a project of his was successful in the Małopolski grant competition for PhD students (MFD 2009) and then he obtained a SCIEX grant.

From the end of 2009 to mid-2011, Dariusz Burnat stayed at the EMPA institute where he was doing research for his PhD

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Beginning of cooperation The cooperation between AGH and the host mentor (EMPA) was initiated several years earlier, but the NANO-SOFC project itself is another mutual undertaking in the history of cooperation between AGH’s Faculty of Materials Engineering and Ceramics and the Swiss institute EMPA. I had met the Swiss mentor before when doing research for my Master’s thesis in Switzerland. This Master’s thesis was well received both in Switzerland and in my home HEI and it was awarded an honourable mention in the competition “AGH diamonds”.

I also managed to publish my research results in a very respectable periodical entitled “Fuel Cells”. This formed the basis for the Swiss mentor’s interest in cooperating with me, and it was he who told me about applying for a SCIEX grant.

Project description The project contained several baselines and some secondary threads. The main purpose of the project consisted in creating ceramic electronic conductors enabling stable cell work.

My next purpose in the project was to obtain relatively effective electrode functioning with low manufacturing costs and absence of metallic catalysts. My third purpose consisted in improving anode resistance to red-ox cycles which occur in cell exploitation. But the most important goal of my research was to create a kind of material that would form the basis for my PhD thesis. I can say that I have achieved this goal in full.

I modified the research direction because of some unforeseen difficulties. Circumstances in favour of the modification were justified by the challenges I had met at the beginning of writing the project:, those related to the purity and quantity of materials produced. Taking the above into consideration, obtaining phase-wise pure materials (sine qua non condition) had proved to be a task requiring more attention and time.

The results of my research were published in an extensive eleven-page article in a respectable periodical. In the end I did not test the capacity of cells in carbon dioxide, as the host institution had no appropriate ready-to-use and safe research infrastructure.

Project outcomes As a result of my research I worked out two techniques for obtaining nano- and submicron powders of strontium titanate additive on a semi-mass scale. I used both techniques in my pilot manufacturing of powders on which I did further research. The aerosol pyrolysis that I worked out is particularly interesting as I used a colloidal precursor there. Owing to this simple solution low manufacturing costs were maintained and materials with the desired crystal structure were obtained. My research included an extensive study on the reactivity on the basis of nanopowders. It is owing to the application of nanoparticles that I managed to detect the reactivity of the materials in question and to work out strategies for avoiding this problem. The complete results of my research are presented in an extensive publication which is now being reviewed.

The electrical properties of the materials obtained allow their application in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. In the course of my

project I also did research on composite electrodes made on the basis of whole working cells (real life conditions) that is in ceteris paribus conditions. As a result I detected three processes limiting the capacity of the electrodes, the most important of them being the diffusion/absorption of hydrogen on the electrode surface. To sum up, having compared my results with the existing literature on the subject, I can say that my research results are competitive. I have managed to implement all the project baselines and three more publications are still being prepared.

The NANO-SOFC project would not have been implemented without the participation of EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology. This fellowship was my chance for an additional research project and also an opportunity to share knowledge and experience.

Additional benefits are a deepening of the already flourishing cooperation between the Polish and Swiss HEIs and increased publishing capability which is extremely important in Switzerland. For home institutions sending grant holders abroad is tantamount to promoting themselves on foreign soil. I am sure that my home institution (AGH) will continue its cooperation with the EMPA institute in Switzerland. My personal plans also include cooperation with this institution.

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If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I am unable to imagine the implementation of half the tasks at my home HEI that I managed to implement as part of my SCIEX project. The added value of my Swiss project translates into the amount of work done, and more particularly its effectiveness, ensuring the success of the project. Switzerland is a rich country where salaries are high which raises standards set for scientists in that country. Also, part of the research could not have been done in Poland because of differences in the research infrastructure itself or access thereto.

The Swiss centre where the research was done, has extensive technical resources and it is adapted to carrying out projects beyond the boundaries of the laboratory.

The most important benefits (scientific/professional/personal) The implementation of this project was an inspiration for making a number of changes, for example changes to ways of thinking (thinking outside the box) which mean a kind of different perception of certain aspects of work and everyday life. A change of environment makes us abandon our well-known and stuck-in-the rut ways, working out so well in the familiar environment. Through it we are forced to look for and work out new standards. I value so much the experience that I have gained. As I was awarded my PhD only a short while ago, my research prospects and career are not fully defined, but I intend to go deeper into alternative energy sources as I truly believe that there are useful things to be done in this field. My personal life has changed the most. For several months now I have lived in Dresden with my better (looking) half (smile) whom I met unexpectedly in Switzerland. So to sum up the changes – I know “what” and “with whom”, but right now I am doing intensive work on “where”.

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If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I would not have been able to obtain my PhD within two and a half years, although the research project itself took 20 months (the host mentor sponsored two months of my research in October and November 2011). This was, of course, paid with hard work, just like the proverb has it: no pain, no gain. If not for the fellowship I would have looked for work in Poland. SCIEX fellowships are enviable entries in your CV and they allow you to enter foreign labour markets. It is thanks to this fellowship that I am able to boast several job offers.

Unfortunately, they are at odds with my personal plans and as such they are of no interest to me.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• Some time ago it was illegal in Switzerland to slam a car door within certain hours.

• There are over 1200 fountains in Zurich.

• 60% of current consumed in Switzerland comes from hydroelectric power stations.

• In 1471 a hen was accused of a crime against nature. That hen had laid eggs that were too brightly coloured, and was sentenced to burning as it was thought she had consorted with the devil.

Fellow: Izabela Szumska, PhD student Project: Short- and long-lived unconscious information processing investigated with two types of EEG analysis: waveforms and microstates Subject area: psychology Project duration: from 01.07.2011 to 30.06.2012 Sending Institution / Home mentor: University of Finance and Management in Warsaw / Dr. Rob van der Lubbe Host institution / Host mentor: Ėcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne / Prof. Michael Herzog Izabela Szumska was awarded a Master’s degree in 2009 at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Finance and Management in Warsaw, where since 2007 she had been working at the Laboratory of Psychophysiology supervised

by Prof. Piotr Jaśkowski. She is mainly interested in visual perception and consciousness. She is currently working on her PhD thesis, supervised by Dr. Rob van der Lubbe. Her PhD thesis focuses on the conscious and unconscious processing of visual stimuli. In her research she uses an analysis of evoked potentials recorded in brain bioelectrical activity testing.

Project description The late Prof. Piotr Jaśkowski (the first Polish mentor of my project) and Prof. Michael Herzog shared similar scientific interests for a number of years and they repeatedly discussed their results at various conferences where these discussions always prove very fruitful. My SCIEX fellowship made it possible for them to start the first joint project combining Prof.

Herzog’s approach to researching consciousness with that of Prof. Jaśkowski. My next home mentor – Dr. Rob van der Lubbe – made just as important a contribution to that project. For years he has been interested in issues discussed in our project and his knowledge of electroencephalography proved invaluable. This is the first project between the host and sending institutions.

Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of conscious and unconscious information processing is one of the most fascinating challenges of current neuroscience. There are many theories on how consciousness works, but none of them has provided ultimate answers to researchers’ persistent questions.

In our project we decided to compare processing of conscious stimuli with the processing of those which are not available to consciousness. Research shows that not only stimuli perceived consciously, but also those perceived unconsciously can affect our reactions. Subliminal priming is the best known example documenting this phenomenon. We can observe this when after one object (for example an arrow pointing to the right) is flashed on to a screen for a time too short for the observer to notice anything, another object is shown (an identical arrow), which is visible long enough to be consciously registered.

When an individual is asked to tell the direction in which the arrow pointed, he/she will do it much sooner when the preceding arrow (invisible) pointed in the same direction as the other, subsequent arrow (visible). This means that despite its not being perceived consciously (our individual is unable to tell the direction of the first one), that object is somehow processed in our brain which “knows” what it was.

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The project implementation confirmed the high level of Polish science. Polish scientists should look for any opportunity of cooperation with foreign institutions, which would be beneficial to both parties. Polish students, PhD students and young researchers should have placements abroad as often as possible as it adds to their confidence. One can take a peek and see how people work in different institutions, learn a lot and acquire openness Our purpose was to see if the perception of stimuli to which we have to react manually (by pressing a key) happens in a different way from the perception of the same stimuli when another kind of response is needed (for example a verbal response or eye movements).

Some research suggested that we should expect different results (as stimuli are processed in different ways depending on the character of the response). Other research opted for a theory saying that there is just one way of processing which is followed by all the information we receive. My research was aimed at finding proof confirming one of the above completely incompatible theories.

Research findings and the added value of the project When the project started, it turned out that the Swiss laboratory could investigate our issue in more detail. So we decided to include response modalities. Apart from the usual

manual reaction (pressing a key) at the sight of an object, we also decided to use saccadic responses (measured with an eye tracker) and verbal responses. Owing to this, we were able to broaden the scope of looking deeper into information processing.

On the one hand, the brain is said to have just one centre where all information is received, is then always processed identically and a response is generated. Therefore, regardless of the kind of required reaction (manual, verbal, saccadic), the correctness of a response should remain the same. On the other hand, there are theories saying that there are separate paths used for receiving information depending on the kind of response we require. Information can be processed on a given path, for example when pressing a key is necessary, but when an individual is to give a verbal response, the same information goes along another path (probably needing more consciousness). Consequently, in this situation the results should be differentiated depending on the kind of response.

In our research, we used visual stimuli (a rhombus and a square) which appeared to the right and left of the fixation point (situated in the centre of the screen). After these stimuli a masked stimulus was shown (priming those objects). Depending on whether the masked stimulus appeared sooner or later after those objects, the participating individuals were able to give quicker or slower responses as to the location of the rhombus or the square. The individuals were asked to point to the side where the rhombus had appeared. The correctness of their responses increased with the time elapsed between showing the object and introducing the masked stimulus. However, it turned out that the ratio of correct responses to the visibility of the stimulus was exactly the same regardless of the kind of response: manual (by pressing a key), verbal or by eye movement. This experiment was carried out with simultaneous recording of the bioelectrical activity of

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the brain (encephalography, EEG), but in our EEG records we found no evidence of visual information being processed differently depending on the character of a response. These results negate the existence of various paths for information processing, privileging more automatic reactions (for example manual) and confirm the thesis concerning the existence of just one centre where all information is supplied to be processed always in the same way.

The most important benefits (scientific/professional/personal) The mutual benefit for the two institutions is the knowledge that has been gained and the commencement of an interesting kind of cooperation. My home mentor uses a method of analysis different from the one used in the Swiss institution.

We taught the Swiss laboratory workers our techniques. At the Ėcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne I became familiar with new methods of data analysis. I shared this knowledge with workers at the home institution when I visited Poland. This is undoubtedly very important for the development of our Polish laboratory. In addition, we have started cooperating with the Ėcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in two new projects and I will participate in their implementation. We are also planning a student exchange as a

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• It was in Switzerland that the concept of the book “Frankenstein” was born. Its author – Mary Shelley – got the idea at a social gathering (abundant with horror stories) held at Lake Geneva.

- Hard-boiled eggs painted like our Easter painted eggs can be bought in Switzerland all year round.

result of which Swiss students will be able to come to our Polish laboratory and their Polish counterparts will have placements in Switzerland.

Owing to the Swiss project, I was able to work with people from all over the world. I was able to learn new things which are still unknown within the Polish environment. I took part in seminars and guest lectures organised in the host institution which gave me more opportunities to discuss my research with eminent experts on the subject. The Swiss institution has better research infrastructure, so we were able to extend the project and investigate not only manual responses to perceived stimuli as we had proposed in our application, but also verbal and saccadic responses.

The project implementation confirmed the high level of Polish science. Polish scientists should look for any opportunity of cooperation with foreign institutions, which would be beneficial to both parties. Polish students, PhD students and young researchers should have placements abroad as often as possible as it adds to their confidence. One can take a peek and see how people work in different institutions, learn a lot and acquire openness.

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the University of Geneva owing to his SCIEX fellowship. In 2011/2012 he did research funded by the Polish – US Fulbright Commission at the University of California in Berkeley.

Fellow: Jacek Wawer, PhD student Project: Time and Modality. A Formal Perspective Subject area: philosophy Project duration: from 01.12.2009 to 30.11.2010 Sending institution / Home mentor: Jagiellonian University / Prof. Tomasz Placek Host institution / Host mentor: University of Geneva / Associate Professor Dr. Fabrice Correia Jacek Wawer comes from the Opole region. He was born and brought up in Strzelce Opolskie and completed secondary school in Opole. He has been involved with the Institute of Philosophy of the Jagiellonian University since the beginning of his Master’s degree studies. In the course of them, his involvement in academic activities was outstanding: he participated in the activities of a research-interest group, in international summer schools, research projects and student conferences. In 2007, he studied at Charles University in Prague for a semester within the framework of the Erasmus programme. For his achievements in the course of his Master’s degree studies he was awarded two grants by the Minister of Science and Higher Education. His Master’s thesis focused on dependencies between relational and algebraic semantics for normal modal logic.

In his PhD thesis, he investigates different aspects of interactions between time and possibilities as part of the branching time model. His research borders on metaphysics, logic and philosophy of language. When he was a student he delivered speeches at a number of international conferences and workshops, participated in research projects, published his work in reputable periodicals and taught Jagiellonian University students. In the academic year 2009/2010 he was a guest of

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Beginning of the project idea I implemented the project at the Institute of Philosophy of the University of Geneva within the framework of the EIDOS Metaphysical Centre. I had come into contact with the Centre a year before, having the pleasure of participating in summer classes on the philosophy of physics in summer 2008. It is thanks to these classes that I met some researchers from the EIDOS Centre. When I learnt about the possibility of a SCIEX fellowship, I became more familiar with the activity of this group and with its members’ interests and achievements.

The Centre focuses on metaphysical research as part of the tradition of analytical philosophy. As my PhD thesis mainly focuses on the same, the interests of many Geneva researchers are similar to mine. The works of Prof. Fabrice Correia attracted my attention as their subject was almost identical with my interests and planned research. I e-mailed him information about myself and an outline of my research project.

I also asked for mentoring. Prof. Correia treated my request very favourably and thought that my project was interesting.

He also agreed to be my mentor. He proved to be a kind and fully involved mentor, and so greatly contributed to improvement of the quality of my work.

Project description Generally speaking, the purpose of my project was to investigate the relations between the notions of time and possibilities, in particular to make an attempt to analyse the intuition that the past is very different from the future in the context of modal properties. The past seems set, determined, constant and beyond our influence, whereas the future is perceived as not fully determined, open to possibilities and prone to our influence. This intuition was already discussed in ancient times. The purpose of my project was both historical and systematic. My purpose was to inves-

tigate the history of discussion on how time and possibilities are interrelated, focusing on the discussion held in the last half century. The systematic aspect of my research consisted in investigating how the tools of contemporary logic, especially those of modal logic and its various semantics, have been used to perform a formal analysis of time-modality interactions. I was mainly focused on the branching time model proposed by Saul Kripke and Arthur Prior. Apart from purely formal results (for example proof of the fullness of some logics or the modal definability of some properties of semantic models), I was also interested in the philosophical and especially metaphysical implications of various models proposed. I also wanted to investigate these issues from the viewpoint of philosophy of language. The main problem in this field is the question concerning the logical status

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• When in Switzerland you mainly live off cheese, chocolate and wine.

• The colour of the lines on roads tells you if and for how long you may park your car there.

of phrases concerning contingent future, that is asking if a phrase like “This coin will fall tails up” is true or false already before we toss the coin. I was to try to analyse formally the tension that exists between the conviction that the future may develop in many ways, but it will develop in just one of them. I wanted to prove whether and how phrases concerning a contingent future might be true a priori. I was also interested in creating semantics for occasional expressions as part of branching time models and a proper semantic interpretation of name category expressions. I also wanted to investigate the topological properties of various branching time and space-time models. I was interested in the topological properties of time understood this way and a topological approach to investigating more global properties in such models.

In the course of the project I was particularly preoccupied with its parts connected with the logical and linguistic aspects of time-possibility relations. I started researching on this, modifying the research plan (for example investigating the logical properties of branching time models which allow time loops). I continually cooperated with my mentor, took part in seminars and works of research groups at the University of Geneva. These works were a constant inspiration to broaden my interests and investigate new issues. As a result part of the project was reduced, the part that was to deal with the topological research. But to me the benefits of extending Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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My most recent visit to Switzerland was a milestone in work on my PhD thesis, in my academic and personal development. Working in a thriving, international research team, among people fully committed to philosophy, had an immensely stimulating influence on me

the research field in the other part were much more important than the loss resulting from the reduction of this part.

The most important results of my research During my research I significantly improved my understanding of the historical context of my PhD thesis subject.

I also became familiar with the latest techniques and tools used in modal logic and the possibilities they offer for the problems that I researched. I created branching time- and circle time models, proving certain modal properties of those kinds of models. I analysed Kripke’s influential argument concerning the possibility of existing contingent a priori truths and I demonstrated the limitation of this thesis in temporal contexts. I devoted myself to an attempt at creation of a model which would bring together the thesis of undetermined future and the conviction that the future will develop in just one way. I presented my research results in five conference speeches and papers. During one of the presentations I established cooperation with Alex Malpass, a Bristol University researcher, which resulted in a jointly written article, published in a prestigious peri-

odical called Synthese. Most of the research for this article was done when I was at the University of Geneva working on my project. Another article summing up my Geneva research is awaiting a go-ahead from the editors of the perio dical Erkenntnis.

I made every attempt to participate actively in the scientific life of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of Geneva.

I took part in the process of internal evaluation of and review of articles sent to a periodical called Dialectica, published in Geneva. I participated in meetings and working groups for students and Institute workers. I discussed with Geneva’s PhD students their latest ideas and I presented mine to them.

I cooperated with my mentor in works on issues forming part of my project and I discussed his latest works and ideas with him. I presented some of my achievements at a seminar at the EIDOS Centre. The supervisor of my PhD thesis, my home mentor, presented his latest achievements when he visited Geneva to supervise my project.

My Swiss mentor delivered a speech in the course of his Cracow research visit as part of the SCIEX Programme. In this way workers and students from Cracow’s university were able to become familiar with a new research trend. I had an opportunity to take a closer look at a number of issues and the latest trends in philosophy when participating in several meetings, seminars and workshops. I am passing this knowledge onto my students when working with them.

I remain in touch with my Swiss mentor. I hope that in the future a more real dimension can be given to our cooperation, for example through organisation of a joint conference or through reciprocal research visits of students and workers from both HEIs. I am hoping to be able to participate in future research programmes run at the University of Geneva.

My most recent visit to Switzerland was a milestone in my work on my PhD thesis, in my academic and personal development. Working in a thriving, international research team,

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among people fully committed to philosophy, had an immensely stimulating influence on me.

I had the opportunity of confronting my latest ideas with certain critical remarks coming from excellent philosophers – experts on my subject area. I met Prof. Fabrice Correia. My conversations with him, his remarks and instructions helped me a lot in understanding a number of problems and in broadening my mind. I was able to participate in a lot of workshops organised by the EIDOS Centre, owing to which I met ‘big names’ in world philosophy and scholars who were in the process of making a name for themselves and I was able to listen to their presentations. I participated in living philosophy, getting familiar with its latest trends and methods. I had access to a fantastically rich library and to an extensive digital database at the University of Geneva. I was offered perfect working conditions, including my own desk and computer. I would not have been able to have such benefits if I had stayed in my home institution.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

Working on my project gave me wings, broadened my mind, extended the spectrum of my philosophical reflection and allowed me to become familiar with the latest philosophy. The scientific enthusiasm of Geneva’s researchers infected me.

The research I did there helped me confirm that PhD studies were the right choice. My motivation for work and research curiosity, which flourished so much in Geneva, stimulated me to continue searching and influenced my decision to spend the academic year 2011/12 at the University of California in Berkeley. This choice was made possible by the Polish-US Fulbright Commission.

If not for the fellowship, instead of being a philosopher I would now be an accountant, journalist or salesman. The decision to award me the grant coincided with my serious doubts about continuing on the academic path. The grant dispelled my doubts and I hope it was not a mistake.

If not for the fellowship, I would not have spent that great year at a perfect university. I would not have met many outstanding persons. Moreover, I would not have spent that year in such a charming city as Geneva, I would not have seen the (almost) highest fountain in the world, I would not have bathed in Europe’s deepest lake, I would not have seen Mont Blanc, I would not have had fondue and I would have not known how to go about opening an account in a bank or renting a flat using my broken French.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• There are no familiar supermarkets that are well-known from home. You do your shopping in a shop belonging to one of two national chains.

• Swiss white wines rank among the best in the world.

• When watching German-language Swiss films the Germans have to read the subtitles.

• Supermarkets sell a 4.5 kg tablet of chocolate.

• Gruyère cheese is supposedly the tastiest cheese in the world.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

To get registered at the place of residence the relevant Swiss office has to be shown your birth certificate or marriage certificate translated into English, French, German or Italian (depending on the canton). No registration is possible without that kind of document.

Fellow: Ewelina Kusiak–Nejman, PhD student Project: Preparation of carbon-modified TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental applications Subject area: chemistry Project duration: from 01.01.2011 to 30.06.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin / Prof. Antoni W. Morawski Host institution / Host mentor: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne / Prof. Cesar Pulgarin

Ewelina Kusiak–Nejman, born in 1983, graduated from the University of Technology in Szczecin in 2007 having been awarded a Master’s degree in environmental protection. In the same year she completed her Bachelor’s degree studies in political science and in 2009 she obtained her Master’s degree from the Pedagogical University of Warsaw. Since 2007 she has been a PhD student at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin. She has been awarded two grants by the Mayor of the City of Szczecin and one grant from the Provincial Job Centre in Szczecin. In 2010 she was a SCIEX fellow with a placement at the Ėcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.

Project description The project consisted in obtaining active materials with good antibacterial properties applicable in pollutant degradation.

These materials could be applied in water purification processes and other processes aimed at environmental protection. In the course of the project the scope of my research was extended to include new materials obtained by way of magnetron sputtering and the investigation of their antibacterial properties in the process of E.coli inactivation.

The most important results of the project I published the EPFL research results in scientific articles in the following periodicals with a high IF quotient: 1. E. Kusiak-Nejman, A.W. Morawski, A.P. Ehiasarian, C. Pulgarin, O. Baghriche, E. Mielczarski, J. Mielczarski, A. Kulik, J. Kiwi, E. coli inactivation by High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtered (HIPIMS) Cu-surfaces, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 15 (2011) 21113–21119.

2. O. Baghriche, A.P. Ehiasarian, E. Kusiak-Nejman, C. Pulgarin, R. Sanjines, A.W. Morawski, J. Kiwi, High power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) and traditional pulsed sputtering (DCMSP) Ag-surfaces leading to E. coli inactivation, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 227 (2012) 11–17.

3. O. Baghriche, A. Zertal, A.P. Ehiasarian, R. Sanjines, C. Pulgarin, E. Kusiak-Nejman, A.W. Morawski, J. Kiwi, Advantages of highly ionized pulse plasma magnetron sputtering of silver for improved E. coli inactivation, Thin Solid Films 520 (2012) 3567–3573.

One more publication, whose co-authors are workers at the CHUV hospital in Lausanne, is still being reviewed.

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What after the SCIEX fellowship…

In the near future, we are planning a new Polish-Swiss project, which would continue the cooperation started in the course of the SCIEX fellowship. This cooperation is very valuable for the Polish party as the Swiss institution enjoys a worldwide reputation.

The added value of the project is that I am now familiar with new methods of antibacterial material preparation and have expanded my knowledge of micro-organism inactivation processes.

The project has resulted in broadening the scope of my research by adding some issues concerning the antibacterial properties of new materials. My fellowship in the foreign institution has raised my employability on the labour market, especially the local one.

Fellow: Anna Horszwald, PhD Project: Influence of processing on bioactive compounds in pomegranates Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.11.2009 to 30.04.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn / Prof. Mariusz K. Piskuła Host institution / Host mentor: HES-SO Valais, Institute of Life Technologies / Prof. Wilfried Andlauer Dr Anna Horszwald was born in Olsztyn in 1981. She studied biotechnology at the University of Warmia and Mazury.

In 2009, for research on rye bread and cereal products, she was awarded a PhD in agricultural science (Food and Nutrition Technology) at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Her main interest focused on the Maillard reaction which occurs in the course of thermal processes. After her PhD thesis presentation she went to Switzerland for a postdoctoral placement as part of the SCIEX programme at the HES-SO Valais – University of Applied Sciences in Sion where she worked on bioactive compounds in pomegranates. She also investigated the possibility of applying selected drying techniques to obtain fruit products and their influence on the quality of such products.

Having returned from Switzerland she participated in a prestigious placement-training programme entitled Top 500 Innovators, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education at Stanford University, USA. She is currently Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Food Biodynamics at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. She Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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continues her research on the Maillard reaction in selected fruit products.

ous drying methods on the powder quality and chose the best method for quality preservation.

Project description In the course of the project I intended to analyse the influence of processing on the content of selected bioactive compounds in pomegranates. First I investigated the content of these compounds present in various parts of the fruit. Then I prepared juices from different parts of the pomegranate to analyse their content with respect to the selected bioactive compounds.

The most important benefits of the project Both Polish and Swiss institutions have significantly benefited from the joint implementation of the research project and also from expansion of methodological skills. Moreover, they have worked out a new project which will continue the cooperation commenced during my fellowship. This close cooperation between the institutions results in more research workers visiting them and in more research. All that means joint publications and participation in conferences.

In the course of the project I extended it by adding the issue of obtaining powders based on the juices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a continuation and development of my preliminary research. I also started working on another project to compare the profiles of polyphenol compounds in strawberries and their leaves.

As a result of this research I systemized my knowledge of where the selected bioactive compounds are situated in pomegranates. The results I obtained allow me to state that the skin is the richest part in bioactive compounds. I demonstrated that juices made with whole fruits are richer in probiotic compounds than juices made in the food industry, which are based mainly on the pulp. I dried the juices in selected ways and powdered them. I compared the influence of vari-

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Improving my professional qualifications by enriching my skills with methods used in Switzerland, and being able to implement them in Poland is one of the most significant benefits for the home institution. The creation of an international network of contacts and of pooling workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills has resulted in a mutual research project serving the development

DID YOU KNOW THATâ&#x20AC;Ś

Over 50 peaks in the canton of Valais rise to over 4000m above sea level.

of my career. The knowledge and experience that I gained working with the industry allowed me to take part in a prestigious placement-training programme entitled Top 500 Innovators, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and run at Stanford University.

This inter-institutional cooperation is continuing. Both parties’ mutual interests have resulted in more visits to Switzerland in order to do research on the process of drying selected fruits. At the moment, we are investigating the analysis of the powders obtained in Switzerland on the basis of other fruits.

A joint international project has been proposed which is now awaiting review.

The added value of the project Changing my working environment was the added value of the fellowship. Meeting new people and watching their work made me change my way of thinking and my approach to problem solving. Thanks to the opportunity to work in an international team in a different environment I now have essential experience needed when working in a laboratory.

The experience I gained when working on the project allowed me to expand my research tasks. At the moment the purpose of my research consists in applying in practice the results obtained. It is worth stressing that the fellowship in Switzerland has a bearing on my personal plans and on discovering new interests.

Fellow: Aleksandra Pelczarska, PhD student Project: Validation of HTS-solubility measurements method for drug–nanoparticle–solvent systems Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.08.2011 to 31.01.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: Warsaw University of Technology / Prof. Urszula Domańska-Żelazna Host institution / Host mentor: University of Geneva/Prof.

Pierre-Alain Carrupt Aleksandra Pelczarska, born in 1982, is a PhD student at the Faculty of Chemistry of Warsaw University of Technology. In 2001-2008, she studied at the same faculty and at the Pharmaceutical Faculty of the Medical University of Warsaw.

When studying for her PhD, she also had a placement in the Republic of South Africa in addition to her Swiss fellowship. A grant holder of the Centre for Advanced Studies at the Warsaw University of Technology and of the Office of the Marshall of the Mazovia Province, she works on investigating and predicting physical and chemical properties of drugs as well as on improving their bioavailability in systemic circulation.

When she is not working she frequently travels and describes it in a “Cocktail of Cultures” (http://tratatatabec.blogspot. com).

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Holidaying on a farm and sleeping on hay is very popular in Switzerland.

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The choice of my host mentor and host institution was a matter of accident, however, it was a winning ticket! Having prepared an initial outline of the project I sent it, together with my CV, to a number of Swiss professors. Prof. Carrupt decided to take up the challenge after a short conversation.

The main purpose of the project consisted in the validation of an innovative method which measures drug solubility in drug-nanoparticle-solvent systems. However, I then extended my research by a detailed definition of the method parameters which appeared in the course of the project.

I presented my research results at a scientific conference and an article summing up the results is being prepared.

The research method is the main project-related benefit for both institutions. In addition the home institution has had some benefits as a result of technology transfer. In the case of this project the whole research work is its added value as technically it was impossible to do that kind of research in Poland for a number of reasons.

When my project came to an end, the Swiss party visited the Warsaw University of Technology. There is a real chance that this joint research will be continued.

Each visit abroad broadens your mind and opens it up to new ideas. Apart from the obvious benefits resulting from acquiring new skills, the project has boosted my self-confi dence, thus allowing me to start a job in the medical industry a short while ago. If not for the fellowship I would never have believed that one e-mail could start several-months’ international cooperation. .

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Fellow: Anna Elżbieta Sikorska, PhD student Project: SedTrace – Organic Micropollutant-based Fingerprinting and Tracing of Sediment Emissions from Urban Areas Subject area: Environment and forestry Project duration: from 01.12.2010 to 30.11.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Warsaw University of Life Sciences / Prof. Kazimierz Banasik Host institution / Host mentor: Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology / Dr. Jörg Rieckerman Anna Elżbieta Sikorska, born in 1984, studied at Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) in 2003-2008 and was awarded first a bachelor’s degree (2007) and then a Master’s degree (2008) in environmental protection. She completed her Master’s degree studies with distinction and received the Prof. Kazimierz Dębski award (runner-up) from the Association of Polish Hydrologists for her Master’s thesis written under the supervision of Prof. Kazimierz Banasik. In the autumn of 2008 she started working on her PhD thesis at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Warsaw University of Life Sciences.

She is a holder of a number of grants, for example those of the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, 2009), and the SCIEX (Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch, 2010).

When working on her PhD thesis she had several placements abroad, in Germany; at the Technical University of Hamburg (spring of 2009), at Kassel University (autumn of 2009), and in Switzerland; at Eawag – the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (2010-2011). She has participated in numerous conferences, both in Poland and abroad. She is,

Being able to work in a Swiss institute leading in my subject area – water resources management research – helped me shape my own personality as a mature scientist, aware of my skills and prospects.

The Swiss fellowship helped me to define my own passion for aquatic research and strengthened me in the conviction that I had chosen the right career path since 2008, a member of the Association of Polish Hydrologists and, since 2010, a member of the European Geosciences Union.

Supervised by Prof. Kazimierz Banasik and in cooperation with the ETTHZ Eawag, where Prof. Jörg Rieckermann is an additional mentor, she is currently working on her PhD thesis concerning the hydrology of urban drainage basins. Her main interests focus on the hydrology of urban drainage basins, analysis of uncertainty in hydrological predictions, urban sediment analysis and transport and, finally, on the chemistry of sediments.

Project description The main purpose of my project was to conduct a pilot study in order to fingerprint pollutant emissions from diffuse sources (mainly sediments) in urban areas. Sediments in drainage systems can be of various origins (rural areas, urban sewage, rainwater) and that is why it is difficult to determine directly their emission sources. There are, however, a number of other substances (heavy metals or phar-

maceuticals) entering the environment in different places, making identification of sources much easier. Moreover, when substances diffuse in a water environment, they are adsorbed on the sediment surface. Therefore, determining the unique composition of such pollutants on the sediment surface (so-called organic micropollutants) by way of advanced chemical analyses would enable sediment tracing and the identification of the sources from which pollutants entered an urban sewage system.

The intended goal was to be achieved through proposing and testing a methodology of tracing sediment emissions in urban sewage systems on the basis of other pollutants, whose direct identification is easier. This would enable better management of urban pollutants and would consequently lead to reduced emissions.

While my initial intention remained unchanged, in the course of the project I extended the research scope by introducing additional analyses dismissed at the beginning.

This was mainly due to my eagerness to widen the scope of my PhD research. As a result, apart from the field and desk trials that I had already planned, I also ran a number of study analyses, that is computer modelling and statistical analyses, aimed at determining the precision of hydrological forecasts (for example of occurrence of floods) for urban areas.

The most important project results The outcome of my research is that together with my mentors I have worked out an innovative methodology for fingerprinting emission sources and tracking emissions of diffuse pollutants (mainly sediments) in urban areas using other, more easily identifiable pollutants (for example heavy metals). The methodology that I proposed was tested in an experimental facility, giving promising results. The fi Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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nal result of that part of the project was a conference article and the presentation of that methodology at a conference in Belgrade on modelling pollutants in urban sewage systems (Serbia, autumn of 2012).

I have also worked out a methodology of uncertainty estimation in flood forecasting for rainfall – runoff models (transforming rain into river flow). My analysis was published in a leading international periodical describing water research and presented at a conference in Bratislava (Slovakia, autumn of 2011).

The most important project benefits for the host and home institutions The host institution derived measurable benefits from the joint publications in international periodicals and from the participation in the scientific conferences mentioned before. What is more, the project implementation meant that the methods and technologies worked out in Switzerland were able to be tested in a foreign facility. At the same time knowledge and experience transfer from the Swiss institution to its Polish counterpart helped strengthen the former’s position. Our joint and successful SCIEX project implementation is a basis for long-term cooperation between the two institutions in joint international projects, and in student and worker exchanges (students, grant holders, young researchers).

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After the SCIEX project officially ended and I returned to Poland, the two institutions have continued their cooperation.

My host mentor and I have prepared another publication featuring new research conducted in Poland and we are planning to extend our Swiss research by including new issues.

And the cooperation between the two Polish and Swiss mentors was crowned by my PhD thesis, supervised by both of them, something previously not even considered.

The added value of the project Applying certain innovative techniques that are only sporadically used in Poland is the added value of this project.

During this Swiss fellowship in a leading aquatic research institute I gained experience which I can now use in my country, especially as regards advanced chemical analyses of urban sewage system sediments and analyses of flood forecast uncertainty estimation. I think that conducting such analyses in the home institution would hardly have been practicable for a number of reasons. First of all – the analyses I conducted in Switzerland are only sporadically used in my country and – consequently – there are not enough people experienced in this area. Secondly, there are neither specialists nor sufficient funds to conduct that kind of costly and advanced chemical analysis. Therefore my Swiss research supervised by experts and internationally recognised scientists dealing with water engineering helped me gain that valuable experience.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Switzerland is a country of contrasts? Although its area is relatively small (1/7 of Poland’s area), there are four official languages with German as the most widespread one. However, the German language spoken here is a variation of German, it is called Schweizerdeutsch and has not got much in common with German as such (Hochdeutsch), much to the disadvantage of those who boast being able to speak German. Switzerland is a neutral country, never involved in armed conflicts, but few people know that it has one of the largest armies per capita. This is also the first country in Europe where women were allowed to study at HEIs (since about 1840 at the University of Zurich), but also the country whose women were the last in Europe to obtain voting rights (in the canton of Appenzell as late as in 1990).

The opportunity to have a foreign placement and the SCIEX project implementation have greatly influenced my professional prospects and initiated some events. Thanks to the fellowship I was able to do much of my PhD research in the Swiss institution, which brought about the continuation of this joint research (jointly supervised PhD thesis) and allowed me to publish the research findings in a leading international periodical. Moreover, being in Switzerland I established numerous professional contacts and I also paved the way for cooperation with other scientific institutes, not to mention the fact that I was able to improve my English, develop my German skills and start studying Italian.

Being able to work in a Swiss institute leading in my subject area – water resources management research – helped me shape my own personality as a mature scientist, aware of my skills and prospects. The Swiss fellowship

helped me to define my own passion for aquatic research and strengthened me in the conviction that I had chosen the right career path.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I would probably not have had the chance of research work in a Swiss institution nor of establishing numerous professional contacts abroad. Without this SCIEX fellowship conducting advanced research for my PhD would have been difficult for every reason - time, cost or methodology - and publishing the findings in an international periodical, almost impossible. Without being in Switzerland I would not have met so many kind persons, both professionally and privately, such as my mentor Dr. Jörg Rieckermann and Andreas Scheidegger of Eawag, whose help and support have been invaluable in implementing my intended objectives.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• Switzerland’s national anthem is a sublime psalm whose melody was borrowed from a religious hymn entitled Diligam, te Domine • Switzerland is one of the world’s leading countries as to expenditure on research and development.

Fellow: Joanna Bryś, PhD Project: Human Milk Fat Substitutes (HMFS) Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.11.2010 to 31.10.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Life Sciences in Warsaw / Dr. Piotr Koczoń Host institution / Host mentor: ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) / Prof. Laura Nyström Dr Joanna Bryś, born in 1977, is a food technologist and Assistant Professor at the Chair of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science (University of Life Sciences) in Warsaw. In 2005 she presented her PhD thesis on Investigation of the properties of milk fat and vegetable oil interesterificated mixtures to the Council of the Faculty of Food Technology (University of Life Sciences) and was awarded her PhD. She currently focuses on optimising the conditions of obtaining human milk fat substitutes by enzymatic interesterification and on the characteristics of the structured lipids obtained. She is the author or co-author of 77 press releases and scientific publications and the manager of a MNiSW grant. She was the mentor and supervisor of several Master’s degree theses. When studying for her Master’s degree she had a threemonth placement at ENSIA, a French HEI, ENSIA within the framework of the Socrates and Erasmus programmes, implementing a research project entitled Diacetyl production

by Lactococcus Lactis Lactis Diacetylactis bacteria. Between November 2010 and October 2011 she was a grant holder under the SCIEX-NMSch Programme between Switzerland and the new EU member states. She is married and has two daughters: Anna and Lilianna.

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Project description The purpose of this project was to obtain human milk fat substitutes by way of enzymatic acidolisation of such fats as lard and cow’s milk fat with essential fatty acids. As a result structured lipids were obtained which were then chemically analysed. My research assumptions were as follows: • Human milk is the most valuable and best food for babies • Fat is of utmost importance for the correct physiological development of infants, babies and children (fat is particularly instrumental in building the human nervous system and in supplying energy) In the course of my project implementation I made slight modifications to the preliminary research plan, namely other raw materials were used than those planned. Instead of goat’s milk fat I used palm oil. Also, instead of using readymade essential fatty acids preparations I decided to obtain these acids from various vegetable oils, such as evening primrose oil, argan oil, linseed oil and borage oil. The decision to make this change resulted from my preliminary investigation of the analysis of fatty acid composition as well as of oil and fat triacyloglycerol structure. This analysis was needed to select suitable compounds for the starting mixture.

The most important outcome of the project The project findings were consistent with my assumptions: the experiments allowed me to obtain structured lipids similar to human milk. To get the substitutes I acidolysed a mixture of fats, such as lard, cow’s milk fat, palm oil and rapeseed oil with fatty acids from argan, linseed, borage and evening primrose oils.

I think that the persons I had the pleasure of cooperating with have a better knowledge of Poland now: our history, culture and the natural environment. From the viewpoint of science I think that my project allowed the Swiss team to become familiar with fat modification and some methods of its analysis.

My home institution considers it very important to have had this opportunity to cooperate during this project with one of the best universities of technology in Europe and even in the world. Access to an immense library and splendidly equipped laboratories, getting to know new instrumental analytical methods and their transfer to Poland were just as important for me. And the cooperation that was established between the institutions for the benefit of my project will be continued. Apart from human milk fat substitutes we intend to do research on fats in grains.

The comfort of research work in Switzerland is immense.

When implementing my project I had access to a very well

equipped laboratory. All necessary reagents and laboratory equipment were ready at all times. I was able to focus solely on my work, do lots of repetitions and simply experiment in peace and quiet. In Poland a lot of time and energy is lost to red tape, teaching work, paying constant attention to costs and sometimes you have to wait for reagents for half a year.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

The project has broadened my mind, given me more courage and boosted my confidence. I have now regained my faith in science and a willingness to continue research work. The visit to Switzerland allowed me to reflect on my life and to build a new system of values. If not for the fellowship, I would not have lived through one of best moments in my life. I would have had no possibility for such extensive development as a scientist. I would not have met such kind and outgoing people. And I would not have done so much sightseeing in this magnificent country of Switzerland.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

The Trift Bridge, suspended over an alpine glacier in Switzerland, is the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in Europe.

Fellow: Paulina Wiecińska (Bednarek), PhD Project: Multifunctional saccharide derivatives in gelcasting of high-tech. ceramics (MULTIGEL) Subject area: chemistry Project duration: from 01.02.2011 to 30.09.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Warsaw University of Technology / Prof. Mikołaj Szafran Host institution / Host mentor: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics (EMPA) / Prof. Thomas Graule Paulina Wiecińska has a PhD degree in engineering science, is an engineer and currently Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Inorganic Technology and Ceramics at the Faculty of Chemistry of Warsaw University of Technology. In 2006, she graduated with an excellent grade from the Faculty of Chemistry at the same university. In 2008–2009, she had a threemonth placement at the NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science) in Tsukuba, Japan. In 2010, she was awarded her PhD with distinction after presenting her thesis entitled Investigation of selected saccharide derivatives application in the process of ceramic powders gelcasting and she started work as an Assistant Professor. In 2011, she had an eight-month-long Post-Doctoral fellowship at the EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology in Switzerland.

She won the award for the best poster at the E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008 conference. A member of the Polish Ceramic Society, her research focuses on modern ceramic materials forming methods and characterisation.

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Project description The cooperation between Prof. Thomas Graule of EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology and Prof. Mikołaj Szafran, head of the Laboratory of Inorganic Technology and Ceramics at the Faculty of Chemistry of Warsaw University of Technology was established several years ago. Both research groups have similar interests in ceramics technology, but different conceptions in scientific problem solving. Therefore both parties decided to start cooperating to combine the knowledge and experience of both groups in order to develop research on obtaining ceramics with the use of colloidal methods, as these methods have been enjoying popularity for some years. As part of this cooperation in 2009-2011 three employees of the Laboratory of Inorganic Technology and Ceramics were awarded fellowships at Prof. Graule’s laboratory. The main purpose of my project was to do research on the application of saccharide derivatives, whose synthesis had been worked out at the Faculty of Chemistry (Warsaw University of Technology), as environment-friendly substances in ceramic powders gelcasting. In the course of my project I extended my research by the application of new substances and formation methods.

The most important outcome of the project In the course of my work I conducted preliminary research on obtaining ceramics from zirconium dioxide with the use of colloidal methods, among other things by gel tape casting with a new non-toxic system based on glucose derivatives. Gel tape casting allows production of thin and flexible ceramic sheets. The search for new, cheap and non-toxic organic additives results in improvement of the method of ceramics formation, and thus complies with so-called green chemistry, and widens the range of its possible applications.

A patent application lodged at the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland is a documented result of our joint research.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship I would not have the opportunity to admire the biggest waterfall on the Rhine, get to the top of the Pilatus mountain in the world’s steepest cable car, visit the Frey chocolate factory, follow alpine routes and indulge my professional interests at one of the world’s best institutes Two scientific publications are underway, written by workers of both institutions involved in the implementation of the project. This cooperation is and will be continued. At the moment it includes joint research projects and Prof. Thomas Graule’s lectures at Warsaw University of Technology.

In the course of my work in Switzerland I met new people and started research cooperation with junior researchers.

The results of my EMPA research may constitute an important chapter of my habilitation work that I am already planning.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

My research work in Switzerland allowed me to expand my knowledge of ceramics technology through cooperation with persons involved in various research projects in ceramic nanopowder synthesis and obtaining ceramics and their characterisation. This work will help me determine new, significant research directions related to chemical synthesis owing to which it will be possible to obtain new organic substances to be applied in ceramics technology.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship I would not have the opportunity to admire the biggest waterfall on the Rhine, get to the top of the Pilatus mountain in the world’s steepest cable car, visit the Frey chocolate factory, follow alpine routes and indulge my professional interests at one of the world’s best institutes.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• Every fifth inhabitant of Switzerland is a foreigner.

• Switzerland is a particularly varied country: your experience, impression and memories of the Suisse Romande may be completely different from those of Zurich.

Fellow: Agnieszka Kosińska, PhD Project: Investigation of absorption and metabolism of hydrolysable and condensed tannins with an in vitro Caco 2 transwell model Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.05.2011 to 30.04.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn / Prof. Ryszard Amarowicz Host institution / Host mentor: Institute of Life Technologies, University of Applied Sciences (HES-SO Valais) / Prof.

Wilfried Andlauer Dr. Agnieszka Kosińska, born in 1980, graduated from the University of Warmia and Mazury in 2004. In 2010 she was awarded her PhD in technology of food and nutrition at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn where she is currently employed as Assistant Professor. Her main interests focus on issues of bioactive compounds in food, their identification and determining their biological activity and bioavailability. In 2011 she won a stipend of the “Start” programme run by the Foundation for Polish Science. She has had severalmonth-long placements at the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, USA and was awarded a year-long Post-Doctoral SCIEX fellowship at the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland. Co-author of 22 publications in so-called Philadelphia List periodicals.

In her leisure time she travels, fascinated by the local people she meets and the local delicacies she tastes.

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Beginning of cooperation The choice of my host mentor and host institution was very simple in my case. It was influenced by the similarity of interests in, and by the already existing cooperation between, the two institutions. My host mentor, Prof. Wilfried Andlauer, is a well-known specialist in bioactive food compounds.

The cooperation between the Institute of Life Technologies, University of Applied Sciences (HES-SO Valais) and the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences had already been developing for some years as part of the implementation of EU-funded projects. Lately it has become particularly intensive as part of the project REFRESH – Unlocking the potential of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research serving the purpose of strengthening integration with the European Research Area and of regional development (financed in the area of Research Potential 7 of the Framework Programme).

What is more, our institutions had previously implemented a SCIEX research project. Using the experience acquired and given the fact that Prof. Andlauer’s research profile coincided with my experience and the direction in which I wanted to develop my research, we started preparing an application.

Project description The health-promoting properties of biologically active food compounds depend not only on their content in individual diet components, but also on their bioavailability. The purpose of this project consisted in determining the intestinal absorption of hydrolysable and condensed tannins extracted from selected foodstuffs. I combined an in vitro model of simulated digestion with investigation of the transport of digestion products through the intestine epithelium. This in-

Apart from the obvious benefits of gaining experience, new skills and qualifications, working in a different environment makes you see different perspectives of a new idea for research organisation and implementation.

This is a hotbed of new research projects vestigation was conducted in a monolayer culture of epithelial Caco-2 cells. Strawberries, cocoa and green tea served as my source of variously structured tannins. We assumed that the knowledge gained in the course of the project would allow us to obtain information which could be useful in raw material selection and in choosing a functional method of food processing that would make it possible to include the maximum content of absorbable bioactive compounds in the final product.

The most important results of the project In the course of the project, we managed to make some interesting observations enabling the determination of more areas for future cooperation. At the moment the research findings have been published in respectable scientific periodicals. One of the manuscripts that we prepared, entitled Cocoa polyphenols are absorbed in Caco-2 cell model of intestinal epithelium has been accepted for publication in the periodical Food Chemistry.

ing and proving myself in that new and demanding group of co-workers constitute the unquestioned added value of my research work in Switzerland. Smooth administration, ease of getting new reagents and materials needed in my research and the ISO system of document management were not devoid of importance.

The implementation of this project encourages me to continue upgrading my qualifications. Moreover, work in an international environment stimulates enthusiasm for academic work and offers good possibilities of extending one’s cooperation network. My fellowship has determined the direction of my research for years to come, helped me to see my strong points as well as fields where I should gain more knowledge and experience.

If not for the SCIEX project…

My habilitation period would have been some years longer and my skiing skills would have remained at beginners’ level.

My knowledge and experience have enriched the host institution which, in turn, made it possible to broaden the scope of our research. The implementation of this project in a wider milieu has resulted in improved publishing prospects, expanding network of cooperation and the possibility of further implementation of our joint research with finance from European sources. The home institution, apart from some solid prospects of continued cooperation, derives benefits from the return of a grant holder/experienced worker open to new challenges.

Apart from the obvious benefits of gaining experience, new skills and qualifications, working in a different environment makes you see different perspectives of a new idea for research organisation and implementation. This is a hotbed of new research projects The added value of the project Access to high-quality research equipment, the necessity/opportunity to adapt to an existing working system, and fulfillResearch Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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Fellow: Katarzyna Dorota Raczyńska, PhD Project: Structure and interactions of U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.05.2011 to 30.04.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań / Prof. Artur Jarmołowski Host institution / Host mentor: Institute of Biology at the University of Bern / Prof. Daniel Schümperli Dr Katarzyna Dorota Raczyńska was born and bred in Płock where she completed her primary and secondary schooling. She chose to study at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. In 2001, she graduated in biotechnology from the Faculty of Biology of that university. Then she started her PhD studies at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at her alma mater. A FEBS and EMBO grant holder, she has had three-month placements at the Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes du CNRS in Strasbourg, France. In 2006, she was awarded her PhD in biology. In October 2006, she began working as an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Gene Expression of the Institute of Molecular Biology at the Adam Mickiewicz University. In October 2010, she started her Post-Doctoral fellowship in Switzerland, where she remained until June 2012. Her fellowship was partly financed

by Bern University and the Canton of Bern as well as under the SCIEX–NMSch Programme, under which she was awarded a year-long grant. In Bern she worked at the Institute of Cell Biology in the laboratory of Prof. Daniel Schümperli, University of Bern.

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Project description The cooperation established with the University of Bern was intended to expand research at my home institution, Adam Mickiewicz University, by looking at issues of maturing 3’end histone transcripts and of experimental work on human cell lines. The project consisted in the identification of new proteins reacting with the U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein molecule. To achieve this we combined the affinity chromatography procedure, based on a marked U7 snRNA, with mass spectrometry. We also attempted to detect some new functions of this molecule by using the CLIP procedure together with deep sequencing. As the research subject matter was so extensive the project was not finished within the time specified, but it will be continued.

My main project purpose – looking for new chemical agents reacting with U7 snRNA – was achieved. The affinity chromatography procedure combined with mass spectrometry protein sequencing allowed me to identify some interesting proteins, potentially reacting with U7 snRNA and involved in regulating histone gene expressions. My initial experiments confirmed the interaction of part of these proteins with U7 snRNP and further research will go toward a better determination of their functions. The part of the project concerning my search for new functions of U7 sn RNP was partly completed – I prepared cell lines permanently transformed by appropriate vectors to be used at subsequent research stages.

The most important project results Among the benefits derived from this project by the host institution the following are worth stressing: • continuation of the host institution’s promising research; • interesting preliminary results, which open up new research areas to future students, PhD students and the host institution’s workers; • future scientific publications of results obtained; • establishment of academic cooperation with the Polish institution.

Among the benefits derived from this project by the Polish institution the following are worth stressing: • knowledge of, and experience gained in working with, human cell lines; • future scientific publications of results obtained; • continuation of RNA maturing research, essential for my future habilitation work; • possibility of project continuation as a cornerstone for creating a new research group; • establishment of academic cooperation with the Swiss institution.

The research tasks that were described in the projects have not been fully completed. We have therefore decided to continue the project in the Polish institution. This continuation necessitates our bilateral cooperation in order to exchange information and for the purposes of scientific consultation.

Short visits paid by those who will implement the project on both sides are envisaged in the future. We intend to look for financial support from Polish foundations for continuation of the research. The first funding application has already been

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• The Alps cover 3/5 of Switzerland, making this country, after Austria, the second most alpine country of Europe.

• The Eiger’s north face (3970m above the sea level) in the Bernese Alps is called the Mordwand (murderous wall), earning this name after many fatal climbing attempts.

lodged at the National Science Centre. Apart from involving the two institutions working together, the project continuation will be really significant for me – in the near future I am planning to create a new research group in Poland. The group will focus on the maturation of 3’end histone transcripts in animal cells – my Swiss subject area.

What was the added value of the project Experiencing work in the research group that I joined was undoubtedly the biggest added value of my Swiss research work. Prof. Daniel Schumperli’s laboratory is one of the world’s leading centres dealing with the project’s subject area. I saw from the inside the very issues that I want to continue in my home institution. I also gained immense theoretical and practical knowledge of working on human cell lines, something I would have never achieved to the same extent in my home institution. What I have achieved in science is linked to the Laboratory involved mainly with the molecular biology of plant cells, working on vegetable material and only recently branching into animal cell research groups. I will be able to pass the knowledge and experience that I gained in Switzerland onto other university staff.

The project implementation was linked to a significant professional change – my transition from the experimental research on plants that I had been conducting before leaving for Switzerland to human cell line experimental research.

This necessitated the gain of new skills and new experience and I had to acquire new knowledge of biology and animal cell molecular processes. I wish to continue this research in Poland. Moreover, the research that I started in Switzerland is so interesting that I wish to devote my further professional career to this subject.

Seen from the personal perspective – my going to Switzerland allowed me to discover the beauty of the Swiss natural environment, especially the beauty of its mountains, the charm of alpine meadows, the length of the skiing routes.

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I also rediscovered the taste for mountain treks (hiking). This is a country to which I will be returning.

Fellow: Łukasz Stokłosa, PhD If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I would not have met so many magnificent people coming from different countries. I would not have formed so many friendships and I would not have discovered the beauty of the Swiss natural environment.

And the most important thing – if not for my fellowship in Switzerland, I would not have became familiar with the fascinating issues of 3’ end histone transcript maturing and I would not have learnt about working on human cell lines.

Project: eTourism Reputation Index (eTourRep) Subject area: journalism, mass media and communication technologies Project duration: from 01.05.2011 to 30.04.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów / Dr. Maciej Piotrowski Host institution / Host mentor: University of Lugano / Prof.

Lorenzo Cantoni Dr. Łukasz Stokłosa is one of the academic staff at the Chair of Tourism and Recreation of the Higher School of IT and Management in Rzeszów. His interests focus on new media applications in tourism, eTourRep and online presence research, promotion of tourist destinations and cultural tourism.

Project description The starting point of the cooperation between the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów and the University of Lugano (Universita della Svizzera Italiana) was the PREDIL project (Promoting Equality in Digital Literacy) with the participation of both institutions. Dr. Maciej Piotrowski – a Polish project team member – and Dr. Chiara Bramani from the Swiss team found areas of mutual research interest and decided to develop this promising cooperation as part of SCIEX. The parties agreed to choose as host mentor Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences and Chief Scientific Officer at Webatelier.net, NewMinE Lab (New Media in Education Lab) and eLab (eLearning Lab).

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My research work in the course of the fellowship broadened my mind and allowed me to look at the research from a different perspective. Thanks to this opportunity I am now familiar with new research methodology and organisation of work. I also had the opportunity to work in an international team and to make numerous professional and private contacts. The fellowship shed some new light on my research interests and helped identify a career path that I would like to follow The main purpose of the project was to follow the online reputation of the Podkarpacie Province as a tourist destination using a system worked out by the Webatelier.net laboratory.

To achieve this aim my attention focused on user generated contents (UGC) in social media.

We then chose three goals: 1. evaluation of the region’s current online reputation; 2. identification of the main problems and defects linked to this reputation and its online presentation; 3. suggestion of possible solutions and improvements to eliminate these difficulties.

To analyse online comments and opinions of this kind I defined three questions linked to the Podkarpacie Province as a tourist destination: 1. what kind of websites do people find in search engines?

2. what feeling is conveyed in the contents?

3. do the topics and opinions change depending on which key words are used in searching?

The most important results of the project The findings of the project show that so-called electronic word of mouth (eWOM), otherwise known as electronic whisper marketing, relating to the Podkarpacie Province plays a vital role. Out of 850 web pages found by the following three most popular search engines google.com, yahooSE and bing.com, almost 20% were classified as UGC. Most of the categories analysed had a positive response. However, I also identified some indications of defects and faults in the regional tourism product, which should be addressed. The research results and their implications as well as recommendations for regional and local tourist organisations and companies were then described in a specially prepared report and in a scientific article. This report can be downloaded from http://www.webatelier.net/ reports. The article is currently under review.

The Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) specialises in scientific research carried out in international teams. For the Swiss partner this project was an excellent opportunity to establish cooperation with the Polish partner – the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, and also to ascertaining the degree of development of Polish tourism.

They had an opportunity to get to know our country better and to find areas of mutual research interest, which may result in future projects. Just as in the case of the Swiss institution, the Polish institution in Rzeszów has also now gained a potential partner for future projects. Apart from that, the experience that I gained during the fellowship in Switzerland is invaluable. It is bound to bear fruit now and in the future in the shape of a number of research projects conducted by this HEI. Ideas for further joint research Both institutions intend to continue their cooperation, especially in projects linked to etourism, new media and communication technology. We have recently finished joint research Research Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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on online marketing application conducted in Polish tourist institutions. I see my future and fulfilment in this area, especially in the development and promotion of tourist destinations. My research work in the course of the fellowship broadened my mind and allowed me to look at the research from a different perspective. Thanks to this opportunity I am now familiar with new research methodology and organisation of work. I also had the opportunity to work in an international team and to make numerous professional and private contacts. The fellowship shed some new light on my research interests and helped identify a career path that I would like to follow.

If not for the SCIEX fellowship…

I feel fulfilled thanks to the opportunity to work with a number of like-minded persons. I intend to continue dealing with etourism, cooperating with the people I met in the course of my fellowship.

If not for the fellowship I would not have had the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, who were first my coworkers, then my friends. The fellowship gave me an opportunity for self-development, proving myself and discovering new research interests.

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Fellow: Grzegorz Garzeł, PhD Project: Determination of the size-dependent phase diagram and thermodynamical behaviour of nanostructured brazing filler metals Subject area: engineering science Project duration: from 01.01.2011 to 31.12.2012 Sending institution / Home mentor: Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences / Prof. Leszek Zabdyr Host institution / Host mentor: EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology / Dr. Jolanta Janczak-Rusch Dr Grzegorz Garzeł was awarded a Master’s degree at the Faculty of Metallurgy and Material Engineering of the AGH University of Science and Technology. In 2007 he was awarded his PhD at the Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow. He completed postgraduate studies in Software Engineering and Business Tools at the Jagiellonian University. Since 2007, he has been employed as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow, where he has worked since 2000 (in 2002 he became an Assistant). His main scientific interests focus on the experimental determination of the thermodynamic properties of alloy and ceramic systems with the use of electrochemical and thermal analysis methods (DSC, DTA). He is also interested in critical equilibrium systems: Calphad method optimisation.

A placement abroad is an important element of an academic career. It allows you to gain experience in a new environment, establish international contacts, familiarise yourself with new techniques and research equipment and analyse your findings, as well as identify potential sources of error Project description This project was a continuation of the cooperation that had already been established as part of the European COST project. Its main goal was to determine the influence of size- and shape-dependent nano-scale particles on the temperature of phase transformations in Ag–Cu systems.

As a result of my research I worked out a thermodynamic model describing the transformation of Gibbs free energy depending on the particle temperature, composition, size and shape. I used this model to create a thermodynamic description of an Ag–Cu system. Using the database that I obtained I ran a number of simulations of how changes of the size and shape of a particle influence the phase diagram shape. The particulars of the model, values of its parameters and results of the simulations are published in G. Garzel, J. Janczak-Rusch L. Zabdyr Reassessment of the Ag– Cu phase diagram for nanosystems including particle size and shape effect, Calphad, Volume 36, March 2012, pages 52-56. ISSN 0364-5916. The project itself and the research findings were presented at European Cost Action MP0903 international meetings held in Barcelona (14-16.04.2011) and Bern (02-03.04.2012) and at a conference of the Polish Phase Diagram Committee members in Katowice on 21.04.2012.

The most important benefits of the SCIEX project The research that I conducted helped the Swiss partner interpret the results of experimental work and supported the preparation and implementation of other projects.

The Polish home institution derives benefits from the transfer of techniques and research methods and the cooperation with the Swiss partner is now formalised. Both institutions complement each other in their technical equipment which will result in the implementation of another joint project.

The added value of the project The added value of the project consisted in my becoming a member of a group involved in broad research and in my experiencing its aspects, such as brainstorming, seminars, going deeper into problems from other areas, getting familiar with new research methods and problem solving. Being able to improve my language skills and having an opportunity to meet scientists – members of this multicultural team are also worth stressing.

A placement abroad is an important element of an academic career. It allows you to gain experience in a new environment, establish international contacts, familiarise yourself with new techniques and research equipment and analyse your findings, as well as identify potential sources of error.

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“A journey, after all, neither begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over, because the film of memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical standstill. Indeed, there exists something like a contagion of travel, and the disease is essentially incurable” Ryszard Kapuściński Fellow: Dorota Kołbuk, PhD student Project: Investigation of the effects of electrospinning conditions on the structure and selected properties of polymeric blended nanofibres for tissue engineering, ESNANOTIS Subject area: natural science and biology Project duration: from 01.10.2010 to 30.07.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Institute of Fundamental Technology Problems, Polish Academy of Sciences / Prof.

Paweł Sajkiewicz Host institution / Host mentor: Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research – EMPA, St. Gallen / Dr. Giuseppino Fortunato Dorota Kołbuk, born in 1983, graduated from the Faculty of Materials Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology, where in 2007 she was awarded her Master’s degree.

Within the framework of the Erasmus programme she had a six-month-placement at the Institute of Air Handling and Refrigeration in Dresden, Germany. After her Master’s degree studies she started studying for her PhD at the Institute of Fundamental Technology Problems of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She has participated in several training sessions, international and domestic conferences. Every year as part of the Science Festival she conducts activities for young people at the Institute of Fundamental Technology Problems of the Polish Academy of Sciences. She was a SCIEX grant holder between 01.10.10–30.07.11. She focuses on the investigation of the molecular structure of biomaterials, biopolymers as well as on tissue engineering and clinical research. Since June 2012, she has been an activist of the Biotechnology Innovations Platform programme.

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When not working she is interested in art history and interior design. She likes active leisure activities – skiing in winter and trekking.

Project description The host institution was chosen from the list of Swiss participants of the programme. Before this SCIEX project the two institutes had never cooperated with each other. I only had some information obtained by word of mouth concerning the positive experiences of my home institution PhD students working with the EMPA as part of the Polish–Swiss School Programme.

In my research I was supposed to determine the effect of the morphology, molecular and nanomolecular structure of electrospinning-blended fibres on tissue response. There were some additional aims, too – that of learning about research work and gaining knowledge in an institute boasting long experience in working on electrospinning and, of course, that of in vitro research on fibres produced with the use of selected cell types. I see the gaining of experience and the running of biological tests as a very important and exciting thing. I had had no opportunity of doing such research before. At the moment, as part of the cooperation between my home institution, the Ochota Biocentre and the CePT programme, an in vitro research laboratory has been opened at the Institute of Fundamental Technology Problems, where I am able to draw on my Swiss experience.

The most important results of my project In the course of my research I determined the effects of process parameters on fibre morphology and structure. I created surfaces on which the degree of cell proliferation after 14 days is three times as high as in the control sample. I deter-

mined the optimum amount of biopolymer to improve the adhesion, activity and proliferation of selected cell types.

My research findings can serve the host institution as a base for future projects. I think that my work at the biological laboratory was not only educational for me as a fellow, but also for my mentor. We exchanged our knowledge of polymers and biology. Additionally, owing to the long experience that the home institution can boast, there was a flow of information concerning the interpretation of research on fibre hyper-molecular structure (crystallisation and hyper-orientation).

My research allowed me to finish my PhD thesis, to which the project was directly linked. The experience I gained in Switzerland helps me to train other PhD students to work in this field and I am hoping to be able to use my biological laboratory work experience directly in the in vitro laboratory. My knowledge and experience in working with different equip-

ment allows me to optimise the selection of research equipment purchased by the home institution. My personal plans are linked to biomaterials and clinical research. This fellowship was an invaluable source of experience and it gave me motivation for research work and for taking up new challenges.

Working in an international group enables not only expansion of knowledge in a selected subject area. It also increases academic and personal independence. It teaches openness and gives confidence. In the host institution I used equipment of kinds that are non-existent in the home institution (at the moment some of it is being purchased). Working under the supervision of specialists in biology allowed me to run my independent in vitro research on engineered materials, which would have been impossible in my home institution due to my education and previous lack of pre-clinical testing laboratory skills.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

• You can see a part of Switzerland by watching a James Bond movie. In the movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service among other things you will the Swiss Alps in winter and the Schilthorn revolving restaurant near Interlaken.

• When going to the famous thermal springs in Vals you should visit the Hobbit’s underground hut and you can enjoy a short stay there. The prices are exorbitant, but for true Tolkien fans and for interior design experts it is a fantastic experience.

• Basel – one of the oldest Swiss cities – charms with beautiful houses and narrow paved streets. It is possible to visit the oldest state-owned painting museum or have a coffee and cake at a café in… Basel cathedral.

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The fellowship inspired me to take up challenges, develop my skills and look at reality in a better perspective. The PhD thesis project was an attempt to systemise and complete data in the literature on the effect of the parameters of tissue engineering on hyper molecular structure. I am strongly convinced that such detailed knowledge of the process and interactions of engineered tissue with selected cell types will allow further research on innovative materials for commercialisation purposes in accordance with the demand of the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industry.

If not for the SCIEX project…

My PhD thesis, knowledge and skills would have been significantly poorer. Being at EMPA allowed me to meet many interesting people with whom I remain in touch, and I also had an opportunity to see a number of breath-taking places in Switzerland and South Germany. It gave me a chance to implement some changes and acquire faith in the possibility of dream fulfilment.

“A journey, after all, neither begins in the instant we set out, nor ends when we have reached our door step once again. It starts much earlier and is really never over, because the film of memory continues running on inside of us long after we have come to a physical standstill. Indeed, there exists something like a contagion of travel, and the disease is essentially incurable” Ryszard Kapuściński

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Fellow: Rafał Ślefarski Project: Simultaneous PIV/LIF determination of local flame front characterisation Subject area: engineering science Project duration: from 01.11.2010 to 31.10.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Poznań University of Technology / Prof. Tomasz Dobski Host institution / Host mentor: Paul Scherrer Institut / Dr. Peter Janhson Dr Rafał Ślefarski born in 1978, is a research staff member and gas appliances designer. He was brought up in the Kujawy region where he started his adventure with technology, completing a mechanical secondary school in 1998. He then started studying at Poznań University of Technology from which he graduated with distinction in 2003, presenting his final thesis “Investigation of the process of waste gas afterburning in gas afterburners” (under the supervision of Prof. Tomasz Dobski at the Laboratory of Gas Technologies, Poznań University of Technology). In 2004, he had a fourmonth placement at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. When he returned, he developed his passion for the process of gas fuel burning in the course of preparing his PhD thesis entitled Investigation of the process of gas fuel combustion with high-temperature heat regeneration, which he presented in 2008. In the course of preparing the thesis, he won a competition entitled Grants for the Wielkopolska region’s best PhD students in sciences contributing to the region’s development (2006). In 2010, he became a SCIEX fellow, which resulted in a fourteen-month-long stay in Switzerland and research work at the Paul Scherrer Institute. He is the author and co-author of over a dozen scientific articles and of three international patents. Since the completion of his studies,

Working at the Swiss institute helped me discover a new face of science and directions of my further academic development. It also showed me how to use the existing equipment in research different from that conducted so far he has cooperated with an engineering company, designing combustion systems running on gas fuels.

He is married and has two daughters – five-year old Marta and several-month old Julia. In his leisure time, he travels and cycles.

high frequency cameras needed to collect enough data for statistical analysis. During the SCIEX project implementation the LDG team had high frequency equipment, but only for PIV. At the moment high frequency equipment for LIF is being purchased.

The main purpose of the project consisted in determining the so-called local turbulent combustion speed and working out correlations between that speed and the turbulent combustion speed determined on the basis of the global fuel consumption definition for methane gas fuels. To collect relevant data I proposed the simultaneous combination of two laser and optical measurement techniques: Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF).

The most important project results In the course of project implementation, I managed to collect a very large amount of experimental data concerning the kinetic flames of poor mixtures of methane gases.

The data was collected for a large group of performance parameters, such as discharge velocity, air excess factor and substrate temperature. The test bench operational parameters were as close as possible to those in real gas turbine burners with the only exception that the laboratory tests were conducted under sealed pressure. In the course of this research, I obtained measurements for various burner geometries: two axisymmetric burners and one turbulent burner. I determined the degree of turbulence, particle image velocity, integral length scale, flame thickness and position for the aforementioned burners. On the basis of the experimental data I determined the turbulent combustion velocity basing on two theoretical models: global fuel consumption ST,g and local displacement ST,l. The values of the turbulent combustion velocity based on the experimental data coming from the LIF and PIV methods tied in with those obtained with the help of the global fuel consumption method. At the moment the data is being processed further to find any correlation between the separate flame parameters and the ST,g and ST,l velocities.

Were there any changes in the course of project implementation?

After doing preliminary research I modified the research programme I had planned, namely the PIV investigation of the flames that I analysed was conducted separately from the investigation aimed at finding the flame zone (LIF). Both investigations were, however, conducted for the same test bench operational parameters. This change was dictated by the available equipment, as there were not the laser and

The professional/scientific/personal benefits of the project In my opinion, the gain of my home institution (Poznań University of Technology) consists not only in the fact that its worker has higher professional qualifications which should result in higher quality education but also that he possesses knowledge of how a well-managed research team should function. Closer personal and professional contacts have been established between workers from both institutions, which means that it will be possible to prepare joint research

Project description Previous cooperation between Prof. Tomasz Dobski’s team and Prof. Peter Janhson’s research group determined the choice of the Swiss host institution. That cooperation consisted in joint meetings and presentation of work done in both laboratories, as well as in preparation of a joint application for research funding. The Laboratory of Gas Technologies (LTG) of the Poznań University of Technology and the Laser Diagnostic Group (LDG) became more closely linked when the LTG team was conducting research for the Swiss energy engineering concern Alstrom. Moreover, before that a PhD student of Prof. Dobski had completed PhD studies at ETH in Zurich, conducting his research at the Paul Scherrer Institute.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT…

projects and maybe exchange students and PhD students as part of various grant programmes.

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• When I was in Switzerland, I was accompanied by my wife and five-year old daughter for some months. My daughter was most impressed with being able to drink water directly from fountains and roadside springs.

• It is possible to cross Switzerland by bike following specially designated and marked bicycle lanes.

Apart from the obvious advantage of doing research in Switzerland, that is in its research laboratories with the latest state-of-the-art measuring equipment, research staff have much more time for research and scientific work. Poland’s red tape, its Public Procurement Law, internal regulations at HEIs (stamps, forms) makes the research preparatory period several or a dozen or so times longer. Before research workers are able to start real research work, they have to be clerks, couriers and salespersons. The institute where I had the pleasure of working had immense support from finance and purchasing departments which negotiated with suppliers.

Therefore, I was able to do strictly scientific work. Moreover, at a different level - there was the institute’s IT support, where software problems were solved almost while you waited and when the equipment was out of order, its defective elements were exchanged as soon as possible. I am impressed by their management of research projects run individually by workers and PhD students under the supervision of the team leader.

Progress made on each project was presented at fortnightly meetings where the whole group consulted their results and suggested other possible solutions.

research was to find an answer to a given question put by energy engineering or gas companies. When I finished the project and returned to Poland, I took some steps aimed at preparing research similar to that conducted in Switzerland and by that I mean basic research. We have now submitted applications for financing the purchase of essential research equipment. At the same time, we are doing research aimed at identifying the possibilities of applying other measurement techniques where one can obtain results similar to those I had when I was in Switzerland. If not for the fellowship, I would probably have given up my scientific work and gone to the industrial sector.

If not for the SCIEX project…

Before the commencement of the SCIEX project research work at LTG was aimed mainly at applied research resulting from cooperation with industrial partners. Most of the

Working at the Swiss institute helped me discover a new face of science and directions of my further academic development. It also showed me how to use the existing equipment in research different from that conducted so far.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Fellow: Izabela Bobowska, PhD Project: Optimisation and upscaling of the synthesis of ferromagnetic nanoparticles and their integration in a polymeric matrix. NANOMAGN Subject area: chemistry Project duration: from 01.11.2010 to 31.10.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Łódź University of Technology / Prof. Piotr Wojciechowski Host institution / Host mentor: University of Applied Science – Fribourg (HES-SO Fribourg) / Dr. Stefan Hengsberger Dr Izabela Bobowska was born in Łódź in 1981. In 2005, she completed her Master’s degree studies in chemistry at the Faculty of Physics and Chemistry, University of Łódź. In the same year, she started studying for her PhD at the Faculty of Chemistry of Łódź University of Technology. In 2010, she presented her PhD thesis entitled Organic – inorganic nanocomposites (2-hydroxypropylo) cellulose. Production, properties and applications after which she was awarded her PhD title.

In March 2010, she started working at the Chair of Molecular Physics, Łódź University of Technology. Between November 2010 and October 2011 she had a post-doctoral placement in Fribourg, Switzerland, as part of the SCIEX–NMSch Programme. In November 2011, having returned from that yearlong visit, she recommenced her work at the Chair of Molecular Physics of Łódź University of Technology.

Fribourg is home to the foundation “Archivum Helveto – Polonicum” which gathers and makes available any documentation of the Polish presence in Switzerland. Among other things, the foundation has a collection concerning Polish soldiers detained in Switzerland during World War II. For more information about the collections of the Foundation go to http://www.founcationahp.ch Project description My participation in the programme was possible thanks to Prof. Jacques Bersier and Prof. Jacek Ulański, who met in the course of preparations for a European project called CLUSTERPLAST. This meeting brought an offer of cooperation as part of the SCIEX programme. My experience in working with nanomaterials and organic-inorganic nanocomposites tied in with the research of Dr. Stefan Hegsberger who agreed to be my host mentor.

The project was intended to carry out the synthesis of iron oxide ferromagnetic nanoparticles with shape anisotropy, their modification and incorporation into a polymer matrix.

The implementation of the project necessitated the cooperation of two host institutions, that is the HES-SO Fribourg and the Adolphe Merkle Institute (University of Fribourg), with Dr. Herve Dietsch’s research group. The research direction was slightly modified as I started focusing mainly on basic research whose findings proved most interesting.

The most important results of the project The final result of my project was the creation of a method for controlled reduction of hematite (Fe2O3) particles to magnetite (Fe3O4) in a heightened temperature (300°C) and under hydrogen pressure (11b). I managed to obtain hematite/magnetite hybrid nanoparticles with different phase perResearch Projects Implemented as Part of the Scientific Exchange Programme NMSch – Objectives and Achievements Summary of Projects 2009–2012

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nanoparticles obtained by coating them in a thin silica layer.

The nanoparticle modification allowed their incorporation into a polymer matrix (poly(methyl methacrylate) and production of organic-inorganic nanocomposites with magnetic nanoparticles.

These findings were very interesting and promising. Further cooperation is planned to continue research and implement joint scientific projects. One of them has already been entered in a competition organised by the National Science Centre.

centages. The higher the magnetite percentage, the stronger the materialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magnetic response (magnetisation value). At the same time the soft conditions of the reduction allowed me to preserve the original, fusiform shape of my hematite nanoparticles. That kind of nanoparticle not only displays shape anisotropy, but also magnetic properties anisotropy and they orient in an external magnetic field. I modified the

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The added value of the project The perfect organisation and equipment of the Swiss laboratories was the added value of the project. Free access to research equipment, such as an electron microscope or vibration magnetometer, was of paramount importance to my research. Having access to that kind of advanced apparatus is impossible in my home institution in Poland. Another particularly valuable thing was the fact that I got in touch with persons specialising in various fields related to the project which enables further cooperation and research development.

To me, the implementation of my research project at the foreign institution was not only an important professional experience, but also an important personal one. Thanks to my work in a completely new academic environment I gained invaluable knowledge, essential for my further professional development. Discussions and exchange of experience with specialists in various subject areas broadens your mind and inspires to further work. If not for the fellowship, I would not have had the opportunity to get to know either Switzerland and its special charm, or its inhabitantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exceptional kindness.

Fellow: Sebastian Tomasz Kołodziejczyk, PhD Project: Metaphysics of Mental Life Subject area: philosophy Project duration: from 01.10.2010 to 30.09.2011 Sending institution / Home mentor: Jagiellonian University / Prof. Jan Woleński Host institution / Host mentor: University of Geneva / Prof.

Kevin Mulligan Dr Sebastian Tomasz Kołodziejczyk, born in 1973, is a philosopher and academic teacher at the Jagiellonian University. In 1994 – 1997, he studied philosophy at the Jagiellonian University and the University of Bristol (UK). In the academic year 2001/2002, he had a placement at the University of Oxford. In 2002, he was awarded his PhD for his doctoral thesis entitled Transcendental truth issues. Since 2002 he has been employed at the Institute of Philosophy of the Jagiellonian University. So far, he has published several dozens of articles on metaphysics, philosophy of mind, history of philosophy and philosophy of religion. In 2006, he published his book entitled The Cognitive Boundaries of Metaphysics (series: Monografie Fundacji na Rzecz Nauki Polskiej, Wrocław; University of Wrocław Publishing House 2006), and in 2011 a work edited by him and entitled The Metaphysics Guidebook was published (Cracow: WAM Publishing House). Together with Dr. Janusz Salamon, he is the editor of a pioneering series entitled Guidebooks to philosophy, a multi-volume series on basic areas of philosophy and periods in the history of philosophy.

Since 2006, he has been editor-in-chief of an English language periodical entitled Polish Journal of Philosophy and Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Forum Philisophicum (until 2012). In

2009 – 2011, he was editorial team member of the European Journal for Philosophy of Religion. Moreover, he is a founding member of the Central European Society for Philosophy of Religion (President in 2007–2008 and 2011–present) and member of the Centre for Culture and Dialogue (until 2010).

A member of the Polish Philosophical Society for many years he is the winner of a number of awards and grant competitions, among others those of the Stanislaw Estreicher Fund of the Jagiellonian University, the Adam Krzyżanowski Fund of the Jagiellonian University, the Foundation for Polish Science, the foundation of the weekly Polityka, and SCIEX. In the academic year 2008/2009, he had a placement at the Graduate Centre of the City University of New York and in 2010/2011 at the Department of Philosophy of the University of Geneva.

His book The Idea of Metaphysics is to be published soon, as is Knowledge, Action, Pluralism: Contemporary Perspectives in Philosophy of Religion edited together with Dr. Janusz Salamon (Peter Lang Verlag, 2012). A book ,Metaphysics of Mental Life, is under preparation.

Project description Prof. Kevin Mulligan has cooperated with Prof. Jan Woleński for many years. He has taken an interest in Polish scientific (philosophical) life and participated in it. He has also promoted Polish philosophy abroad. He was a long-standing member of the Advisory Board to the English language philosophical periodical published by the Jagiellonian University and PDC (USA) of which I am the editor-in-chief.

Moreover, my junior colleague, Mr. Jacek Wawer, had already had a year-long PhD placement at the University of Geneva. All these considerations and the fact that the Chair of Philosophy headed by Prof. Mulligan at the University of Geneva was so prestigious, were instrumental in the choice of that institution. This choice guaranteed my academic development, more contacts, participation in a strong research group as well as in frequent and cyclical scientific events.

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Research work concerning philosophy, and especially metaphysics has no direct and practical application. However, my work focuses on metaphysical issues and those relating to philosophy of mental life. The latter subject area allows me to see at least some issues as more easily applicable. This is especially true for the modelling of artificial intelligent cognitive systems The purpose of my project consisted in publishing some articles and in the long run an English language book. The research direction was not modified. One part of this project was complemented with research that had to be done owing to the nature of the issues concerned. The scope of this new research was not, however, significant and concentrated mainly on the problem of ontological dependence/ independence, strictly related to the relationship between what is concrete and what is abstract.

My research fellowship at the University of Geneva was fully successful. Since I started it I have published some articles (out of which half are directly project-related, the other half indirectly related). I have been working on the book Metaphysics of Mental Life which will be the principal result of that visit. The book is planned for publication in 2013 or the end of 2013/the beginning of 2014. I have also made some speeches at conferences at home and abroad. I had a short stay at the Rutgers University and at the City University of New York (USA), establishing cooperation with the Rutgers University Centre for Cognitive Science.

Research work concerning philosophy, and especially metaphysics has no direct and practical application. However, my work focuses on metaphysical issues and those relating to philosophy of mental life. The latter subject area allows me to see at least some issues as more easily applicable. This is especially true for the modelling of artificial intelligent cognitive systems The most important results and benefits of the project In the future, the Swiss institution is bound to benefit from my SCIEX presence. At the moment, conceptual work on launching joint studies at the Jagiellonian University and the University of Geneva is in progress. It is planned to submit an application for a joint research project to funding institutions (NCN, Ministry of Science and Higher Education). My work for

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the periodical Dialectica and participation in the organisational and scientific life of that University’s Chair of Philosophy are direct benefits.

The benefits that the Jagiellonian University has derived from the project are chiefly academic. By employing me the Jagiellonian University employs a specialist in leading philosophical subject areas who is familiar with the latest research trends and has extensive social and professional contacts.

Later, the Jagiellonian University will reap the benefits of long-lasting institutional and academic cooperation.

The cooperation within the project consortium will be continued. The connection between the Jagiellonian University and the University of Geneva will be maintained and it will result in joint Master’s degree studies and – individually – in a research project involving Swiss and Polish researchers, also with my participation. Moreover, junior colleagues from the Jagiellonian University are keenly interested in having PhD or Post-Doctoral placements in Switzerland.

The added value of the SCIEX project The added value can be categorised as: 1. Formal and organisational The stay in Geneva allowed me to carry out regular academic work, free from teaching, and focusing on research objectives and nothing else. That is why I was able to participate in a number (a dozen or so) of scientific events, such as symposia, workshops, conferences and occasional lectures, in which I would not have been able to participate if I had stayed in Poland. This allowed me to meet leading European and American young and middle generation philosophers. Moreover, owing to my visit to Geneva I became familiar with ways of organising research work, grant application procedures and the functioning of large projects. The opportunity to study the functioning of an academic unit different from that of my home institution was also of considerable importance.

2. Substantive The above mentioned participation in a number of academic events and my contacts with specialists allowed me to develop my competences, gain a creative approach to the issues that I worked on and look for alternative, innovative solutions of problems that seemed out of date. This stay made me appreciate the application of logical tools in analysing problems of the philosophy of mind and the perspectives of issues bordering on several subject areas, mainly the philosophy of language, metaphysics, mental life philosophy and anthropology.

The project implementation has an effect on the development of my previous interests. Having finished the project and after publishing the book Metaphysics of Mental Life, I intend to continue research on the status of representation, extending the research scope by findings in the exact sciences, thus entering the area of cognitive science. My personal plans are more linked to individual cooperation and its extension in the context of contacts with junior researchers

at the University of Geneva to create a basis for further cooperation.

If not for the SCIEX project…

Switzerland was a totally new and unique experience. Although I had already had long placements in Great Britain and the USA, my Swiss experience made me aware of the academic potential of that country, the possibilities of implementing research projects and the magnificent spiritual and material culture of its inhabitants. When I think about living in Switzerland (although I mainly lived in France, two steps away from CERN) it makes me nostalgic, especially when I contemplate its magnificent architecture, friendly inhabitants, extremely good coffee and Geneva’s wonderful climate. My being there contributed to my better understanding of the academic culture of that part of Europe and to my becoming familiar with the innovativeness in academic research displayed by representatives of young generation philosophers in Switzerland.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the SCIEX Poland Team, we would like to thank all those who for the past three years have supported our work as the SCIEX Contact Point in Poland.

We would like to express our gratitude to our partners in Switzerland. If it was not for the Swiss contribution aimed at the reduction of economic and social disparities in the enlarged European Union, and the establishment of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme, our joint research adventure would not have been possible. The launching of research partnerships by Polish-Swiss scientific consortia allowed for the transfer of knowledge, technology and experiences between HEIs and research centres, and most of all, provided opportunities for strengthening the scientific competences and skills of individual doctoral candidates, junior researchers and their mentors.

We would like to thank His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Poland for his invaluable support and unceasing willingness to cooperate. We could always count on the support of the Embassy in Warsaw and the staff of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme Office operating there, who willingly participated in the initiatives and events organised by us.

We would also like to express our thanks to the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) and Polish Coordination Unit, i.e. the Ministry of Regional Development, for model cooperation and substantive support of our promotional activities.

We sincerely thank the SCIEX fellows – it is due to your interesting ideas for original projects and innovative research that we are so proud of our work. We are very pleased that Polish scientists and their expertise, experiences and skills are widely recognized by their colleagues and mentors in Switzerland.

We give our thanks to the Management Board and the teams supporting us at the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, which is our home institution. We are grateful for successful cooperation, which although not visible to the outside, is very valuable to our operations. It was thanks to joint information and promotional campaigns that the number of submitted applications grew each year.

In autumn 2013, we are facing the last selection round. We are looking forward to resuming cooperation with the above mentioned institutions which added to the success of the SCIEX Scholarship Fund. Simultaneously, we are hoping that the opportunity for cooperation between Polish and Swiss scientists will be continued in the next financing period of the Fund.

SCIEX POLAND TEAM KATARZYNA ALEKSANDROWICZ MAGDALENA GESSEL SYLWIA IŻYNIEC ANNA PAVLOVYCH

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Foundation for the Development of the Education System / SCIEX Scholarship Fund Mokotowska 43, 00-551 Warsaw / tel.: +48 22 46 31 470, fax: +48 22 46 31 028

www.sciex.pl