by Philipp Steger  

The current or looming – depending on whom you talk to – energy crisis has struck the lofty reaches of luxury travel: The New York Times reported recently that the aficionados of floating vacations aboard a cruise ship will have to contend with fuel surcharges that many cruise lines are now starting to add to their already hefty prices. While one may safely assume that the customers concerned will be able to handle this latest consequence of the dramatic increase in world crude oil prices, the assumption that the US will be able to successfully address the challenges inherent in its dependence on foreign oil imports is a much less secure bet.

by Jutta Kern

with expert contribution on
Some Like it Hot: Differing Approaches to Climate Change by Helmut Hojesky

With crude oil prices surpassing the $60/barrel threshold, renewable energies have entered the realm of US energy policy debate as one possible way of long-term price mitigation. Nevertheless, renewable energy sources are still a sideline in the energy bill, which is currently under consideration by the US Congress. Bills in both chambers target tax incentives; but while the House of Representatives agreed on an energy bill that focuses on rather traditional sources such as electric utilities and promoting fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal, the Senate passed an energy bill that encourages renewable energy much more. The Senate bill, for instance, mandates doubling ethanol use in gasoline, a measure intended to simultaneously decrease US dependency on foreign oil imports and support the farming industry, which grows the corn used in ethanol production. Wind and solar energy, according to the Senate bill, will also enjoy some tax incentives as will technologies like hybrid cars. The two chambers have to agree on a common energy bill, which will then be sent to the White House for the President’s approval. Environmental advocates, such as the US Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG) especially welcomed the 10 percent renewable electricity standard and tax incentives for energy efficient buildings, appliances, and vehicles, but strongly criticized the bill for failing to guarantee any oil savings. Compared to the House Energy Bill, the Senate Energy Bill looks much better for renewable energies and fuel efficiency; nevertheless, it does not contain any mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions to counteract global warming.

by Caroline Adenberger

with expert contributions on
Stem Cell Research in the UK: the Cutting Edge of Science and Regulation by Joshua Mandell
Switzerland: The Stem Cell Research Act by Dora Fitzli

From California to Singapore, scientists around the globe race to be the first to unveil the hidden promises of stem cell research, with special hope for the potential of embryonic stem (ES) cells. But besides the expected trials and errors in research, scientists also have to face barriers outside their labs: Uncertain policies and different legal frameworks make progress in ES cell research even more complicated. After reporting on the legal situation in the US in the last edition of bridges, the present article focuses on the funding situation in the European Union (EU). The article is supplemented with expert contributions on the state of embryonic stem cell research in Switzerland (see also bridges article in this issue 'Switzerland: The Stem Cell Research Act') by the Swiss Science Attaché to the United States Dora Fitzli, and on the situation in the United Kingdom (see also bridges article in this issue 'Stem Cell Research in the UK: the Cutting Edge of Science and Regulation') by Joshua Mandell, the Senior Science & Technology Adviser of the Royal British Embassy in Washington, DC

by Jennifer Slimowitz and Mande Holford

The following article was prepared with the contribution of Mark A. Suskin , head of the National Science Foundation Europe Office.

by Ursula Mathis-Moser

The following article is based on a speech given by the author, Ursula Mathis-Moser, on the occasion of the "Austrian Celebration Symposium" in Ottawa, 21 May 2005.

Building bridges. Thoughts on the mechanisms of intercultural transfer
Building bridges, to begin with a metaphor, is a complex enterprise. It presupposes a few but indispensable elements such as solid ground on both sides, participants willing to construct pillars and pathways, and the determination to use these newly created lofty roads for an exchange of people and of goods. In a strange way, the image I have chosen to start my speech (1) with resembles the process I will be reflecting upon – that is the establishment and the functioning of transatlantic exchanges between universities in Austria and Canada. However, before risking my foot on our imaginary bridge of scientific and cultural transfer, it seems advisable to examine the solidity of the ground destined to support the pillars and to briefly reflect on parallels and possible common concerns.