Tuition fee: 250 CHF

Organizers:

Prof. Katarzyna Wac, UNIGE

Prof Katarzyna Wac, Ph.D., is a Full Professor of Computer Science at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and an Invited Professor of Health Informatics at the Department of Computer Science (DIKU), University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and was affiliated with Stanford University and Medical Centre in 2013-2020. She is leading the Quality of Life Technologies lab, responsibly unleashing the power of data to benefit the quality of life of all individuals. More specifically, the lab’s research interests revolve around the fundamental and algorithmic problems as well as human-centric challenges of the systems enabling an assessment and improvement of human behavior, well-being, health, disease self-management, and quality of life as it unfolds naturally over time and in context.

 Jing Z. Forrest, UNIGE

Ms. Jing Z. Forrest is currently a Ph.D. student and a member of the Quality of Life Lab at the Institute of Service Science, University of Geneva, Switzerland. She holds a Master of Engineer degree in Operational Research from George Mason University in Virginia, United States. Before joining UN agencies, Ms. Forrest gained valuable experience working for renowned consulting firms, including Price Waterhouse Coopers.

In her current role as a Business Process Change Manager at the United Nations, Ms. Forrest plays a crucial role in supporting the global supply chain management process using SAP tools. Simultaneously, she is pursuing her Ph.D. under the guidance of Professor Wac, with a specific focus on Assistive Technologies for the Ageing population. Her research is closely aligned with the United Nations Substantive Development Goals, aiming to contribute significantly to this field.

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Naomi Njaqui, Johnson County Community College, USA - 2023 Edition

"I know that the Geneva summer school helps me truly branch out on how the ageing population can be well taken care of that doesn’t involve medication. I know I have a lot to learn when it comes to healthcare because that is my interest and learning this abroad too, as I learn different cultures and new ways of living like my new passion which is to learn French enough to converse with people and I am so grateful and excited that Geneva summer school was my first experience because it was really great. The beauty of Geneva and its people too is something to remember to say the least!"

Pallabi Bhowmick, Indiana University Bloomington, USA - 2023 Edition

"Geneva Summer School’s reputation precedes itself, so when I came across the Geneva Summer School course, Leveraging Innovative Technologies for Ageing Well: A Transdisciplinary Training, led by Prof. Katarzyna Wac, I jumped at the opportunity! However, it was the ThinkSwiss scholarship that turned this aspiration into reality.

As a Doctoral Candidate in the United States, my research focuses on reducing social isolation among older adults and addressing ageism and stigma in technology design. Therefore, this GSS course perfectly aligned with my research interest, and I was very excited to get accepted to the course. However, persistent concerns about financing international travel made the news of the ThinkSwiss Scholarship's confirmation about covering my travel and accommodation expenses all the more exhilarating.

I am delighted to share my Geneva Summer School experience, a journey that has enriched both my academic and personal growth. Participating in the Geneva Summer School offered me an exceptional opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. From the engaging lectures to the interactive discussions with fellow participants from diverse backgrounds, each day was a new adventure in learning. The interdisciplinary knowledge exchange among participants helped us expand our knowledge base.

What truly stood out was the quality of guest speakers. Their expertise, combined with their passion for this research area, fostered an inspiring atmosphere. I enjoyed their presentations, felt encouraged to ask questions, challenge my perspectives, and engage in meaningful discussions. The knowledge and insights I gained from these interactions have undeniably contributed to my personal and academic growth. These discussions extended beyond the classroom. Team lunches in the beautiful outdoors also fostered stimulating conversations in a more informal setting."

"The course finally culminated into four interesting project pitches from four teams formed through random grouping. The diverse perspectives and expertise of participants from varying backgrounds enriched the group project experience. I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating on the project as well as learning about the other three ideas, all of which were innovative and achievable."

Presenting project pitches

"Overall, attending the Geneva Summer School was a remarkable experience that I will forever cherish. It not only broadened my academic perspectives but also allowed me to form lasting connections with incredible individuals from around the globe. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an intellectually invigorating and culturally immersive summer program."

Team Dinner at Le Lacustre at the end of the Summer School