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| 2003 Activities Summary | | Print | |
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Stockholm International Researchers Association (SIRAP) SIRAP Annual Message 2003 by Dr. Livia Olah, SIRAP Chairperson and Aimee Lambert Poor,SIRAP Vice Chairperson Background to SIRAP: SIRAP is a non-profit voluntary association that brings together international researchers, their families and local patrons in and around the greater Stockholm area. SIRAP members are from all over the world. Most of our members are post-doctoral researchers based in Stockholm for a few months or years, but we also include many students and both foreign & Swedish members who live here permanently. The diversity regarding professions, research fields and country of origin is also reflected in our board membership. Board members this year are from Australia, China, Hungary, India, Poland, Sweden and the USA, and are active researchers, teachers, Ph.D. students as well as administrators working with international contacts and issues. In 2003, eight Board Meetings were held (the Agenda and Meeting Minutes are available via the SIRAP Treasurer). The date of the Annual General Meeting is December 10, 2003. SIRAP Social and Study Activities in the Past Year: The main goal of SIRAP is to help our members lead fulfilling lives in Sweden, to meet for mutual aid, to build an institutional memory, and to investigate and make use of local possibilities and opportunities. Thus we hold regular seminars (7 this year besides the Annual General Meeting), social activities and even trips (see details below). We also have an assortment of activity circles (14 circles at present). A special thanks to our seminar organizers and circle leaders, as due to their efforts the participants meet new people, learn new & useful information, and have fun. Our most important tool to build and maintain contact with our members is the SIRAP website, established in 2002 but fully up and running in 2003. We would like to thank to former and current website-planners, webmasters and scribers for their terrific job. Without them the job of providing information to our wide membership base would be much more difficult! Thanks to them there is now the possibility for interested people to register on-line to become SIRAP-members. Again, this facilitates the information-flow between the organization and the members, as well as the planning of future SIRAP activities. Last but not least we would like to thank to the Board Members, local patrons & supporters, and to all SIRAP members for making SIRAP to what it is today: a lively and attractive organization. We hope to continue our activities and to even improve SIRAP with Your help! Livia Olah & Aimee Lambert Poor Chairperson Vice Chairperson SIRAP board-members in 2003 (elected at the Annual Meeting in December 2002) - alphabetical order: - Dr. Sanjay Ahuja (Fundraiser; Karolinska Institutet, Mikrobiology & Tumorbiology Center) - Dr. Malgorzata Bartnik (SIRAP Presenter; Karolinska Hospital, Dept. of Cardiology) - Mr. Paulius Dambrauskas (Website-Planner; KTH) - Dr. Livia Olah (Chairperson; Stockholm University, Dept. of Sociology) - Ms. Aimee Lambert Poor (Vice Chairperson; Engelska Skolan Norr) - Ms. Vasanthi Sanjeevi (Seminar Organizer; Engelska Skolan Norr) - Mr. Yaodong Wang (Webmaster; Stockholm University, Dept. of Botany) Co-opted active board-members: - Sofie Alvarsson (Treasurer & Archivist; Studying Stockholm) - Dr. Glenn Condie (Scriber; Karolinska Institutet, Dept. of Biosciences) - Dr. Bruce Henry Lambert (Former Chairman, Webmaster; Stockholm School of Economics, European Inst. of Japanese Studies) - Anna Lauritz (Seminar Organizer; KTH, International Office) - Mr. Onik Shahmirian (Webmaster & Scriber; KTH, Dept. of Mathematics) Further co-opted board-members: - Maissa Al-Adhami (Karolinska Institutet, International Relations Office) - Lena Arvidson (Södertörns Högskola, International Administration) - Susanne Falck (Wenner-Gren Center, Administration) - Kazune Funato Hallgren (Stockholm School of Economics, European Inst. of Japanese Studies) - Carina Johansson (Stockholm School of Economics, Administration) - Ulla Jungmarker (Stockholm University, Office for International & Corporate Relations) - Maria Mattsson (KTH, Accommodation) - Kristina Nyström (Vetenskapsstaden International Center AB) - Anna Persson (Karolinska Institutet, International Relations Office) Auditors: - Mr. Jonas Nordstrand (Stockholm Academic Forum) - Mr. Sture Strömqvist (Statskontoret) SIRAP Social seminars 2003 18th SIRAP Seminar Social Tuesday 11st November 2003, from 18:30 Stockholm Academic Forum 42 people attended Surviving the Swedish winter Presented by dr. Sheldon Litt, Specialist in Gestalt psychology and long-term Stockholm resident Dr Sheldon Litt was invited to Sweden to teach psychotherapy at Uppsala and Stockholm University. Before that he was Asst. Prof. of Psychology in New York and a Gestalt Therapist, trained by Fritz Perls. Has also taught at universities in Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Germany, and at many hospitals in Scandinavia. He is author of: Humanistisk Psykologi och Gestaltterapi (in Swedish). In addition, he has been a jazz musician (trumpet), journalist, and actor ("Dancer in the Dark"). Dr Litt gave a seminar offering advice on surviving the somewhat dark & difficult Swedish winter. What is there to do in Stockholm during this period? Is it easy to survive? We had an evening of sharing information and experiences where the audience was invited to participate. Many people brought along ideas of their own survival strategies. In addition, Dr. Litt drew the names of the 10 winners for our on-line-membership-register competition. By the end of October, 176 people had registered for SIRAP membership on-line, including 8 board-members whose names were not included amongst those eligible for rewards in the competition. Of the 10 winners, there was only one person present at the seminar, and she received a bottle of pure maple SIRAP. Other winners (of chocolate, SIRAP or a cruise on Silja Line) have been notified via email and urged to pick up their prize at Stockholm Academic Forum at their earliest convenience. 17th SIRAP Seminar Social Tuesday 28th October 2003, from 18:30 Stockholm Academic Forum 29 people attended Seminar topic: What´s the meaning of "Research in Sweden"? Presented by Björn Kerlin. The Swedish EU-R&D Council (EU/FoU-rådet) Project leader of "Research in Sweden". Björn presented a new project, "Research in Sweden", aimed at improving information for international researchers in Sweden. The Swedish EU-R&D Council will work as Sweden's Mobility Centre (one of many in Europe) and the main activity will be to develop a new website, www.researchinsweden.se (not yet active). The website will contain practical information on everything you need to know for living and working in Sweden, as well as information about the Swedish "research landscape." 16th SIRAP Seminar Social Wednesday 1st October, 2003, from 18.30-21.00 Stockholm Academic Forum (Kulturhuset ground floor) 32 people attended Seminar topic: Their Helmets Had No Horns Presented by Gunnel Strahl Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live in Sweden over a thousand years ago, and what historical factors have influenced the way the Swedes are today? Gunnel Strahl delved into Swedish Viking History from early Anno Domini to more modern times, and we learned that there was more to viking life than invasions, alcohol, and religion! The lecture also focused on the trips around Stockholm that people can make and uncover the Stockholm region's viking history. 15th SIRAP Seminar Social Wednesday 21 May, 2003, from 18.30 Stockholm School of Economics, EIJS Seminar Room & Room 750 24 people attended Topic 1: "Tourism in Sweden" As a prelude to summer, with many thinking of vacation, SIRAP arranged for Mr Johan Krüger from the Svenska Turistföreningen (STF, the Swedish Tourism Association) to speak of the grand Swedish landscape and nature. Mr Krüger introduced his organization and explained the benefits of STF membership. He showed details of special places of interest and pretty locations good for a visit or a weekend getaway. It was a great opportunity to learn more about what Sweden has to offer for adventurous residents. Topic 2: "Regional Development in Stockholm and its Future Challenges" Mr Tomas Stavbom, the Director of Education for the Länsstyrelsen (the Stockholm County Administrative Board) spoke about his organization's activities (including helping to sponsor SIRAP). A major responsibility of the Board is to enhance possibilities for the Stockholm region as an economic engine for the rest of the country. Mr Stavbom spoke also of recent Stockholm efforts to further strengthen our role at the center of the Baltic Sea Region. 14th SIRAP Seminar Social Tuesday 22 April, 2003, from 18.30 Stockholm School of Economics, Aula 23 people attended Topic 1: "Family Changes in China" Dr. Ying Hong, demographer (Dept. of Sociology, Stockholm University) talked about changes in family formation in rural China between the 1960s and 1990. Her research shows that the dynamic socio-economic changes of that period, such as the shift of power in decision-making about family matters from the elderly to the young adults, and from men to women, have contributed to the emergence of a new pattern in the timing of first birth. Special attention is paid to the socio-economic context and family planning policies of the period. Topic 2: "Beneath Replacement: European Demographic Trends" Dr. Livia Olah, demographer (Dept. of Sociology, Stockholm University) presented the changes in European family patterns regarding marriage, childbearing and divorce since the 1960s. The possible causes and consequences of the dynamically changing trends for the four major European regions, namely Scandinavia, Western Europe, Southern Europe, as well as Central-Eastern Europe, were also discussed. 13th SIRAP Seminar Social Thursday 20th of February, 2003, from 18:30-21:00 Stockholm Academic Forum (Kulturhuset ground floor) 70 people attended Seminar topic: Dance show by the Academic Folk dance team. The Folkdance Team showed a variety of traditional dances accompanied by live music. The dancers wore traditional costumes and a small speech about the history of folkwear was given. 12th SIRAP Seminar Social Wednesday 5 February, 2003, from 18:30-21:00 Stockholm School of Economics 43 people attended Seminar topic: "Four Great Trips In & Outside Sweden" Presenter Topic Aimee Poor & Bruce Lambert Truly Tremendous Turkey Carani Sanjeevi Enchanting Egypt Lars Lindell Vietnam – highlights Yaodong Wang St. Petersburg in Summer SIRAP Trips –2003: SIRAP ANNUAL WINTER TRIP – to Taxinge Christmas Fair 97 people attended Guest researchers with their families participated at the SIRAP winter trip to Taxinge Christmas Fair on Saturday the 15th of November. The goal was to experience the romance of Sweden, and make some new friends. The group arrived to Taxinge Castle in the early afternoon, and walked around the Christmas Fair area where carpenters, tailors and artists showed and sold their creations, not to mention the excellent food items for sale. Participants had coffee with homemade "Lussekatter" and other Christmas cakes, then continued to stroll around at the Christmas Fair area and the romantic candlelit grounds. In the late afternoon the group headed back to Stockholm. SIRAP ANNUAL SUMMER TRIP 60 people attended Fun & exciting day trip with SIRAP! Many SIRAP members took the chance to enjoy SIRAP's annual trip, 14 &/or 15 June 2003 (one trip Saturday; repeated Sunday). This year we went out to beautiful archipelago of Stockholm. We visited the islands of Sandhamn and Bullerö, both located in the 'middle archipelago.' On Bullerö we visited the Bruno Liljefors Museum Naturrum. Bruno Liljefors is a well-known and highly-regarded 19th century artist of impressionistic nature paintings. Sandhamn island is on the outer edge of the Stockholm archipelago. The winter population is around 200 but this number swells to several thousand in the summer! It is home to the Royal Stockholm Yacht Club and the main village is full of winding streets and alleyways. By the way, 'Sandhamn' literally means 'sand harbor'. We had lots of fun, free time, and the chance to meet new friends. SIRAP Study & Activity Circles One way to establish closer ties among members within the SIRAP organization has been the SIRAP study and circle activity. Any member is welcome to start a circle. SIRAP circles help foreign researchers and their families make professional and social contacts, learn something new, improve daily life and basically have a good time! At present there are 14 autonomous circles with varied levels of activity and energy. Information about these circles is available on the SIRAP website. We encourage members if they see a circle of interest, to contact the person in charge of the circle. Jazz Fans Gosia Bartnik malbar@medks.ki.se We can meet at different places to enjoy some jazz events, visit jazz pubs or concerts. If you are fond of jazz, like to listen or to play jazz music, it may be fun to meet some other jazz spirits, find some really interesting jazz places and performances in town, meet up and enjoy the music and a company of other jazz-inspired multi-language friends. Global Dining Adventure Circle Dondrea Thompson dondrea_thompson@hotmail.com Have you been wanting to try that Indonesian, Caribbean, French, American, Swedish or fill-in-the blank restaurant here in Stockholm but would like to go with others? Try something new! Early Evening Drinking Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We gather periodically to talk & drink (beer, water, or whatever) at the Shakespeare Inn (Rehnsgatan 22, near Rådmansgatan subway station); we start early to catch happy hour, which finishes at 18:00! Tennis Circle Karin Vadovicova kremienok@yahoo.com We enjoy tennis at Karolinska: tennis courts are free, rackets & balls are available for borrowing. Join in! Creative Writing Circle Leslie Kenna leslie.kenna@farmbio.uu.se tel: 070 269 5589 Group members bring in poetry or short stories we've written for constructive critique. We can also read and discuss published poetry and short stories. Collectors Corner Krystyna Palonka krystyna.palonka@hhs.se All those crazy about collecting anything are invited. Then we can initiate presentations of our collections - whatever the focus... Cosmonova Circle Livia Olah livia.olah@sociology.su.se Those who'd prefer to go to the Cosmonova (IMAX-theatre) with some company instead of seeing the films alone are welcome to join us. Before the film we can visit the attached museum (Swedish Museum of Natural History: they have very good exhibitions) and possibly have lunch there in the restaurant. Thus one movie can be a one-day program with lots of fun with friends(-to-be). All programs are on a self-cost basis. Please let me know if you also would like to organize such a visit. Movie Circle Flora Gaber floragaber@hotmail.com We go to the movies together in smaller or larger groups (we can order tickets in advance). Those who wish can discuss the film afterwards in a café or a restaurant. It would be good to have several persons as organizers since people's interest and time schedule vary greatly. All programs are on a self-cost basis. SIRAP Website Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We hope to better develop this SIRAP website. It would be nice to add more useful information to the site and maybe a chat facility. Talar Svenska Circle Sofie Alvarsson sofie.alvarsson@stockholmacademicforum.org Intermediate level; to reasonably allocate time, limited to eight people. Basketball Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We get together to shoot baskets / play basketball games; all are welcome; if you've a basketball, bring it. Soccer / Football Circle Zhao Zhe zhao@inorg.su.se We gather to play soccer at the nice Wenner-Gren Center field (top of Sveavägen); all are welcome. Hand-woven Rug & Textile Study Circle Bruce Lambert bruce@reorient.com We will discuss textile art with examples & local expert speakers; I've a special interest in Central Asian flatweaves and Swedish rölakan but all textile topics & all interested people welcome. Early Morning Walking circle Aimee Poor aimee@reorient.com We meet at a designated spot in the Stockholm area and then walk for about 45 minutes to an hour. We can experience early morning Stockholm, listen to the birds, and stretch our limbs! |