03/2006

Academic bulletin 03/2006

TOPIC OF THE MONTH
Science, or Else?
Scientists from the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany met together at villa Lanna in January 2006 and discussed the Promises of Science.

INTRODUCING PROJECTS
Coal in the Czech part of the upper Silesian basin
The Institute of Geonics, ASCR, in cooperation with the publishing house Anagram, organized a presentation based the publication Atlas of Coal in the Czech part of the Upper Silesian Basin.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Telescope FRAM brings first success
The Czech-made wide field camera of the telescope FRAM located at the Pierre Auger Observatory detected on 17^th of January a very bright optical correlate of gamma rays.

Research in Europe at Nové Hrady
The Institute of Physical Biology, University of South Bohemia and institutes of the ASCR in the region collaborating with the Nové Hrady University College, have been during last four years organizing summer stays for students. They have also prepared an exhibition on the history of research in physics, open doors days and an exhibition of research departments. In fall 2004, these activities were grouped into a joint Scouting project for European Scientific Talents which is funded by European Union through the Call for Researchers in Europe Program and of the 6^th Framework Program.

INTERVIEW
American Science Information Center
We did an interview with the director of AMVIS, Ing. Simona Lauerová and Ing. Eva Kleinová. AMVIS, established in 2002, is a non-profit and non-governmental institution. Its main aim is to provide information, consultancy and support so as to foster international cooperation in all fields of science and research. These activities include assisting the search for new partners and financial sources for cooperation, strengthening of contacts between Czech and American scientists. It also involves collaboration of national and international, governmental and non-governmental institutions in the fields of science, research and technology commercialization and organizing seminars and conferences.

BRUSSELS
Silver Economy
On January 25^th, the European Commission published its new Annual Progress Report on the Lisbon Strategy, the partnership between the EU and Member States for growth and providing more and better jobs. The Annual Progress Report is designed to reinforce momentum and rouse the pace of delivery.
One of the four priority action areas is identified as employment policies to get people into work.

NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL
Summary, 13^th session, Academic Council, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMNENT COUNCIL OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Report, 210^th session, Czech Government’s Research and Development Council.