EPFL - UNESCO Chair International Scientific Conference on Technologies for Development

EPFL - UNESCO Chair International Scientific Conference on Technologies for Development

EPFL Lausanne, Switzerland
8 - 10 February 2010

Objectives

To conform to the Chair's guidelines, the conference has four objectives:

1. Promote research for technologies and innovations that are appropriate for developing countries and enable solutions for specific problems affecting the most vulnerable populations.

2. Raise awareness concerning the potential of these technologies to advance innovation for the benefit of developing countries.

3. Create a platform for discussion, scientific exchange and knowledge sharing in a spirit of solidarity.

4. Encourage North-South research partnerships.

Following the new scientific orientation of the UNESCO UNITWIN Programme, the Conference aims to contribute in the long term to the creation and reinforcement of a critical mass in key development disciplines and fields in developing countries, as well to establish poles of excellence by encouraging South-South cooperation.

Keynote Speakers

Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute, University of Columbia
Prof. Mohamed H. A. Hassan, Executive Director of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS)
Prof. Melissa Leach, Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex

Participants

The conference addresses researchers, doctorates, post-doctorates, students, academics, decision-makers, private sector representatives, representitives from NGOs or international organisations, as well as any person who is interested in technologies for development and scientific cooperation for development in the North and South.

Participants from developing or emerging countries are strongly encouraged to attend.

Language English (primary) and French (secondary)

Fees
Specific information on registration fees will be available on our website soon.
Financial aid may be available for participants from developing countries who are submitting papers. We will have a financial aid form on our website in due course.

Papers / Conference Content
The Conference organisers invite papers which, under an interdisciplinary approach of international scientific cooperation, bring in knowledge-based evidence of the links between technologies and development, the uses of technologies and their innovative applications tackling key current development challenges, and giving evidence of the enabling conditions for their successful implementation.

The papers can either offer examples and pilot experiences of concrete applications, or provide reflections on these issues (sustainable and appropriate technologies, policies, context, actors, governance, partnerships...).

The conference will concentrate on three main spheres:
-scientific research and sustainable development;
-context and societal dimension;
-cooperation and scientific partnerships.

The papers should focus on four priority areas (as defined by the UNESCO Chair):
1. Technologies for sustainable development of habitat and cities ;
2. Information and communication technologies for the environment ;
3. Science and technology for disaster risk reduction ;
4. Technology for sustainable energy production.

For specific content of each area please see the Priority Areas.

Abstracts of maximum 500 words should be submitted no later than June 15, 2009 by using an Online Submission Tool that we will have online soon.

Submissions in English and French are welcome.

Key Dates
15.06.09 Deadline for submission of abstract
15.07.09 1st selection
30.10.09 Deadline for submission of full papers
30.11.09 Final selection
8-10 Feb. 10 Conference

http://cooperation.epfl.ch/page70493-en.html

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Comment by WARIS ALI on December 25, 2009 at 9:20am

Thanks Craig for information.I am going to attend it if i got funds.

Waris

Comment by MEDARD DU ROCHER - BOPE on May 14, 2009 at 6:53am

Dear Craiz Zzelizer,
thank you for the information.
MEDARD DU ROCHER-BOPE