David C. Thomasma International Bioethics Retreat
22-25 June 2009, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Each year, the Program, along with the Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics and Cambridge University Press, sponsors the David C. Thomasma Memorial International Bioethics Retreat. The Retreat is unique among bioethics meetings in that experts in medicine, philosophy, law, and health policy are invited from around the world to present their current research projects. Every year the Retreat's success grows in expanding and strengthening an international community of bioethicists. To date, the following countries have been represented: Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Sweden, and the United States.
Participation is limited. Financial assistance may be available to bioethicists from developing nations through the Bioethics Beyond Borders program, which is funded by generous donations received from retreat participants.
The 22-25 of June have been set as the dates for the 2009 International Bioethics Retreat to be hosted by the Ethos-Interdisciplinary Ethics Unit of the
University of Lausanne.
How to Get There
Lausanne does not have a major airport, so most visitors fly into Cointrin Airport in Geneva and then travel on to Lausanne. The train from Geneva leaves for Lausanne every 20 minutes and the trip takes 30-40 minutes.
If you are driving, Lausanne is connected by freeway (N1) to Geneva. The Great Saint Bernard road tunnel is 70 miles (113km) to the southeast, reached along E2, which becomes E21 during the final approach. The speed limit on most Swiss highways is 75mph (120kmph). Lausanne is also easily accessible by train from all over Europe (e.g. the trip from Paris by TJV is about 4 hours).
Layout of the City
Lausanne is spread out along the shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). There are two sections of particular interest to visitors: The Old Town, with its creaky charm comprising the upper part of the city and Ouchy (pronounced oo-shee) along the town’s lake front. The train station is located about midway between the two neighborhoods and everything is connected by Metro (the trip between the heart of the Old Town and Ouchy takes 6 minutes).
Meeting Site
Beau Rivage: Due to popular request, we’ve eliminated the Friday morning session this year which means extending our meeting sessions later in the day than in the past. Never fear, to make up for lost activities, we’ve planned a fabulous, never to be surpassed, luncheon opening for the Retreat at the Beau Rivage hotel in Ouchy on Monday.
University of Lausanne: We’ll meet at the University of Lausanne’s Department of Interdisciplinary Ethics: Tuesday, June 23, Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. The University is an easy Metro ride from the center of the city to a station only a few yards away from the entrance to our building.
What to Do and What to See
Walking Tours: The only way to see the Old Town is on foot. Between May and September, Lausanne’s civic authorities conduct a guided tour lasting two hours, Monday-Sunday, cost about 10SF. Departure is in front of the city Hall at Place de Palud usually at 10:00 and 2:30 in English if there is a guide and a demand. Confirm time and language by calling 021-321-7766. Also, ask to see if there are any free concerts scheduled at the Cathedral of Lausanne, the focal point of the Old Town and one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Europe.
Olympic Museum: Lausanne proudly calls itself the “Olympic Capital” since the International Olympic Committee made its home here in 1915. This museum was opened as a tribute to the union of sport, art, and culture and celebrates the history of the games since ancient Greece.
Chateau de Beaulieu et Musee de l’Art Brut: Located on the northwestern side of town, this chateau dates from 1756 and was once occupied by Madame de Stael. The museum houses what artist Jean Dubuffet called “art brut” in the 1940s. Disdaining what he saw as the pretentiousness of the avant guarde art scene around him, Dubuffet collected this curious mélange of artworks from prisoners, the mentally ill, and the criminally insane. His collection of “nonartists” he found to be superior to the more noted artists of his day.
Fellow Retreaters, Dick and Joan O’Brien, lived in Geneva for a year and offer the following as some of their “adventures” outside the city.
1. In proximity to Lausanne is the Chateau De Chillon, made famous in Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chaillon,” and in Henry James' Daisy Miller. The castle sits at the eastern tip of Lake Geneva, about 20 miles east of Lausanne (and about a mile east of Montreux). From Lausanne you can connect to the castle using a combination of various methods: train, bus, boat, and hike. They say the castle receives more visitors than any other historical building in Switzerland.
2. Not far to the northeast is the hilltop village of Gruyere, perched above its peaceful pastures. The factory lies at the bottom of the hill and you’ll learn EVERYTHING you want to know about its well-known cheese. Touring the village is fun too.
3. Another excursion, not recommended for the same day, is to the village of Broc. Within a stone’s throw of Gruyere, the Caillet Chocolate factory is the main attraction. At the time we were there, it was possible to arrange group tours. Our 4 children were in heaven, trying to decide which of the free samples to try.
4. There is also a telepherique from Montreux to its mountaintop.
