LOCATION

The Symposium is hosted by the "EPFL Lausanne" and the " Politecnico di Torino ". The conference will take place at the "Hotel du Parc" (See Travel Info), that is located near Martigny railway station.

The City of Martigny

Martigny is a small city in Switzerland, located in the canton of Valais at an elevation of 475 meters. Its population is of approximately 15 000 inhabitants (Martignerains or "Octoduriens"). Martigny is located at a crossroad between Italy, France and Switzerland, one road linking this town over the Great St. Bernard Pass to Aosta (Italy), and the other one, over the "col du Trient" to Chamonix (France). In winter, Martigny is appreciated for its nearby ski resorts like Verbier.

Oppidum or vicus were the earliest Celtic tribes of Véragres under the name of Octodure, which supplied Martigny's ancient name of Octodurus. It was the theatre of the battle of Octodurus in 56 BC. Between the second legion which was commanded by the Roman Servius Galba and the Véragres allied with the Sédunes and Nantuates.

The region joined the Roman Empire. In 47, Emperor Claudius founded Forum Claudii Augusti, later renamed Forum Claudii Vallensium to avoid confusion with an other city that was dear to him. Octodurus was the principal town of the area until the displacement of the episcopal see to Sion in the 4th century.

The Romans left many archaeological remains. The city is known for its amphitheatre, which was restored in 1978. Cow fights are held in the amphitheatre during early autumn for the "Comptoir". The city is also famous for its museum, the Pierre Gianadda Foundation, built on top of Roman ruins. The foundation hosts three painting exhibitions every year, with works by renowned masters. It also has a permanent automobile and Gallo-Roman exhibitions.

The area has some apricot orchards and vines on steep slopes which drain into the Dranse (an affluent of the Rhône River) west of the city. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martigny,_Switzerland). Additional information about Martigny can be obtained by the tourist office of Martigny.

(photo: tourist office of Martigny)

The EPFL Lausanne

Founded in 1853 as a private school under the name École Spéciale de Lausanne, it became the technical department of the public Académie de Lausanne in 1869. When the latter was reorganized and acquired the status of a university in 1890, the technical faculty changed its name to École d'Ingénieurs de l'Université de Lausanne. In 1946, it was renamed the École Polytechnique de l'Université de Lausanne (EPUL).

In 1969, the EPUL was separated from the rest of the University of Lausanne and became a federal institute under its current name. The EPFL, like the ETHZ, is thus directly controlled by the Swiss federal government. In contrast, all other universities in Switzerland are controlled by their respective cantonal governments.

The EPFL operates a nuclear reactor, Crocus, a Tokamak fusion reactor, and P3 bio-hazard facilities. It will also absorb the ISREC (Institute for Cancer Research) by 2008. (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/École_polytechnique_fédérale_de_Lausanne). Additional information about Lausanne can be obtained by the tourist office of Lausanne.
 

(photo: EPFL)

The Politecnico di Torino

The Politecnico di Torino was founded in 1906, but its origins go back further. It was preceded by the Technical School for Engineers founded in 1859. The Technical School for Engineers was part of the university, which led to technical studies being accepted as part of higher education. In the course of the twentieth century new engineering courses were added.

In November 1958 the vast Corso Duca degli Abruzzi campus opened to house the engineering courses.

In the 1990's new teaching campuses were opened in Alessandria, Aosta, Biella, Ivrea, Mondovi and Vercelli. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politecnico_di_Torino). Additional information about Torino can be obtained by the tourist office of Torino.

(photo: tourist office of Torino)