“Congresses lead to global visibility”
Over the past few years, the University of Basel has organised an increasing number of congresses in Basel or successfully bid for such congresses. How do you rate the importance of “home congresses”?
Scientific congresses are important in a number of different respects – for the University, for the researchers and for the location of Basel. They increase international visibility, on the one hand, because researchers from all over the globe come to Basel and get to know our vibrant region. And, on the other hand, it is a unique experience in the career of a researcher to be able to host an international congress in one’s home town.
Life sciences would appear to be an important congress topic. Does this also boost Basel’s reputation as a life sciences location?
Here in the Upper Rhine region, we have a unique constellation: we have top universities which rank among the best in the world in the natural sciences, medicine and the life sciences. And we have the head offices of globally operating pharmaceutical companies, as well as a large number of small and medium-sized firms in the biotech and medtech sectors. We would like to exploit this density of research and innovation to an even greater extent in future. Congresses with participants from all over the world help us to present Basel attractively as a life sciences location and promote international networking amongst our scientists.
Is the University of Basel pursuing plans to further encourage professors to stage congresses?
When we find out that a scientist is intending to bring an international congress to Basel, we provide them with active support. Together with Basel Tourism, we assist with the compilation of the bidding book and with applications for funds from the Congress Board Basel. At the University of Basel, we also organise regular information events showing researchers precisely what support we are able to offer. The informal exchange of experience that takes place here with colleagues who have already successfully organised major international events is very much appreciated. We are currently looking into how we can provide our scientists with even better support in staging congresses – I’m thinking along the lines of professional administrative and logistics support, so that the researchers can concentrate fully on the quality of the scientific programme.
