6^th Swiss Geoscience Meeting, Lugano 2008

Friday 21^st – Sunday 23^rd November 2008:
Palazzo dei Congressi & Il Ciani, Lugano

The sixth edition of the Swiss Geoscience Meeting focuses on applied geosciences, on practical applications derived from research in geosciences, as well as on the latest advances in research on the coupling between Earth's interior dynamics and surface processes.

The Institute of Earth Sciences of the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) and the Platform Geosciences of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) cordially invite you to participate in the 6^th Swiss Geoscience Meeting, to be held in Lugano from Friday 21^st to Sunday 23^rd November 2008.

At a pre-event on the evening of Thursday November 20th, the Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier will give a presentation on his views of planet Earth and the book and picture exhibition "Magie di pietra" will be unveiled.

On Friday 21^st, Keynote presentations will be devoted to topics dealing with applied geosciences and illustrate how research in geosciences leads to practical applications. The evening presentation will be given by the new State Secretary for Education and Research, Dr. Mauro Dell'Ambrogio, on his visions for scientific research in Switzerland for the coming years.

On Saturday 22^nd, a series of scientific symposia will focus on diverse domains of geoscience research encompassing the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere and the atmosphere without neglecting to also address the interactions between society and the various components of the geosphere.

On Sunday 23^rd, a special symposium will be devoted to the International Year of Planet Earth. Under the title «Deep Earth – from crust to core: A tribute to Peter A. Ziegler» a panel of internationally renowned scientists will present the latest advances in research on the coupling between Earth's interior dynamics and surface processes. Several geological excursions in and around Lugano will also be organized on that day.

The SGM wants to offer the ideal environment to also foster informal contacts and discussion between scientists: Such opportunities will occur at the Swiss Geoscience Party on Friday evening, or during the poster session on Saturday in the main hall of the congress centre. Special time slots will be allocated to two poster sessions, at which the authors will be present.

Looking forward to seeing you in Lugano!
The SGM 2008 Organizing Committee.