About Us
Mission Statement of IAAS Switzerland
The „International Association of students in Agricultural and related Sciences“ Switzerland (IAAS Switzerland), is an involved committee of the “IAAS International”. We are interested in subjects related to Agri-Food-Chain. At the heart IAAS International is composed of students looking for an interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge with like-minded people.
Board Members
Ladina Gähler
National Director
Words from Ladina
Hello, I am Ladina from Appenzell. I am studying agriculture sciences and I am the National Director of IAAS Switzerland. My responsabilities are to manage the Swiss board, all the local activies and to stay in touch with the European Regional Board. In my free time I do scouting, thai boxing and I work as a student assistant for the agriculture policy and economics group of ETH Zurich.
Tasks
The National Director (ND) guides IAAS Switzerland and coordinates its activities. She is the contact for the ETH and the international IAAS commitees. She has the overview of national and international activities.
Salome Häcki
External Relations
Words from Salome
Hola! My name is Salome, I am Swiss-Ecuadorian and I grew up in Lucerne. I love to cook and I am interested in human health. This motivates me through my studies in Food Science because it teaches me to research, understand the effects of food on the body, and the chemistry of cooking. I’m responsible for the communication between the alumni and the IAAS, as well as for the external relations.
Tasks
I’m responsible for the communication between the alumni and the IAAS, as well as for the external relations. I am also in charge of sponsorship and am therefore the contact person within IAAS in all matters related to event-sponsoring.
Ferdinand Wittgenstein
Finance
Words from Ferdinand
Hi, my name is Ferdinand, and I’m from Geneva. I study agricultural science and love both mountain and water sports. I joined IAAS because I believe it’s a great way to gain a different perspective on my studies and meet people with similar interests all around the globe. I am the Finance Minister, responsible for managing the funds that come in and out of IAAS Switzerland.
Tasks
As the bookkeeper of IAAS Switzerland, I am responsible for all transactions regarding our events or our exchange program. Furthermore, IAAS also financially supports our members going to international IAAS gatherings. Every year, I am in charge of planning our budget and presenting our financial statements to the general assembly.
Pascal Janssen
External Relations
Words from Pascal
Hi i am Pascal and responsible for the Exchange Programm for Students. I am coming from Luzern and am studying agriculture sciences.
As a coordinator, my goal is to foster student exchanges and to be an asset for the case of ensuring the knowledge about food production and real sustainability.
I enjoy being in good company and like to do various sports.
Tasks
I’m responsible for the communication between the alumni and the IAAS, as well as for the external relations. I am also in charge of sponsorship and am therefore the contact person within IAAS in all matters related to event-sponsoring.
Britta Schwegler
Webmistress
Words from Britta
Hello, I am Britta. I grew up in switzerland and study agricultural sciences. In my free time, I like to enjoy the swiss nature or attend all kinds like concerts or theaters. In IAAS I like to learn more about other agricultures and I am responsible to keep you updated about upcoming events.
Tasks
As Webmistress I am responsible for the IAAS website and the different social media platforms. I make sure that upcoming events are announced and document all of these with pictures. I create small, motivational content that transpire the IAAS spirit.
Swiss Comittee Tasks
Social events
With the social events the contact among the local participants is strengthend. The main goal is to get to know each other better and have fun. Also the contact with the Alumni is maintained trough the social evenings.
National Seminars
Subjects from special interested for the local committees are treated during seminars. The seminars range from one evening in form of debates with experts to a semester theme. This includes also visits to companies and regions
The daily business
Every two weeks the executive board meets for an update and discussion related to the IAAS Switzerland.
Other activities
Of course, IAAS Committees all over the world also organize various other activities in their universities like (international) motivation weekends, tours, short seminars and/or visits to companies, lectures and debates, social evenings etc.
International Community Tasks
Annual World Congress
Every year in summer, a member country organizes the Annual Congress, which consists of sessions of the General Assembly and a seminar. During the General Assembly all decisions affecting the association are discussed during working groups, and subsequently voted upon. Furthermore the participants take the chance of having such an international group to discuss in forums about (agricultural) hot topics together with their fellow students from all over the world. The seminar usually deals with a specific (agricultural) topic and includes excursions, visits, lectures, social activities and a round tour of an area in the organizing country.
Regional Directors Meetings
The Regional Director’s Meetings are held annually between two consecutive Congresses, and bring together delegates of all the countries of the region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America). The aim is to get to know each other, and to discuss matters of the association. These meetings usually also include a variety of social events and activities. The European Directors Meeting (EDM) is one of these meetings. It takes place every year in December/January.
Subregional Meetings
The region of Europe is divided in four subregions. Each Subregion meets twice a year in a rotating system, again to get to know each other and discuss matters of the association, but this time on a less official and more personal basis.
Exchange Programme
Every year in summer, a member country organizes the Annual Congress, which consists of sessions of the General Assembly and a seminar. During the General Assembly all decisions affecting the association are discussed during working groups, and subsequently voted upon. Furthermore the participants take the chance of having such an international group to discuss in forums about (agricultural) hot topics together with their fellow students from all over the world. The seminar usually deals with a specific (agricultural) topic and includes excursions, visits, lectures, social activities and a round tour of an area in the organizing country.
International Seminars
Seminars deal with specific topics in agriculture and its related areas. They are organised by national or local IAAS committees. During a week up to two weeks, participants gain an experience by learning and discussing problems with students and professionals from other countries. Reports are made and distributed.
Exchange Weeks
Exchange Weeks are organised by two different countries. Groups of students from these countries visit each other and participate in a week full of excursions, visits and social and cultural events organized by the host country.