Deep dives at Lake Lugano

Alexander Troesch attended the “Understanding Global Poverty and Economic Development” summer academy. He is a former participant and volunteer for the Economics Olympiad and competed in the IEO in 2022. After his time at Kantonsschule Hottingen, he is pursuing a degree in Computational Science and Engineering at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

The academy was structured around a combination of guest lectures, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops, focused on poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth. Our topics ranged from the causes of poverty to the role of institutions and policies in developing the quality of life. We also learned to use Stata, a tool widely used by economists for data analysis, exploring methods like Difference-in-Differences and Randomized Control Trials. The experts were engaging, not just in their lectures but also in casual conversations. They shared life stories providing valuable insights and help for our possible career paths.

One of the most enriching aspects of the academy was the interaction with other members of the Study Foundation. Coming from diverse fields such as engineering, theology, and music, my peers brought unique perspectives to our discussions. Deep conversations flourished, touching on topics beyond economics, including life’s more fundamental questions. The participants' enthusiasm for learning and their athleticism fostered a strong sense of community, with many joining in on morning jogs, swims in Lake Lugano, or volleyball sessions. Another memorable moment was our leisure day when we crossed the Swiss border to visit a charming Italian town. Walking through the local market and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere provided a refreshing break from the intense academic sessions.

Compared to the Economics Olympiad, there was less focus on a specific subject. The summer academy was more interdisciplinary with plenty of room for discussion between people from different fields. Not only was it an inspiring and intellectually challenging experience, but it also allowed me to connect with motivated, like-minded individuals I am happy I can call friends now.

Ruhi Pungaliya volunteers for the Mathematical Olympiad and participated in the Economics Olympiad at the international level. She studies mathematics at the University of Zurich. Her summer academy was called “AI and the Law: Myths, risks, opportunities and challenges”.

Artificial intelligence has become a frequent topic of conversation in the media, workplaces, education, and everyday life. The summer academy set out to explore how such a dynamic field could be governed by legal frameworks. I had always thought of the law as a fixed set of rules that governs society. This academy showed me the iterative process even this seemingly rigid authority must undergo to adapt to the complexities of AI. 

Dr. Julien Audiffren, a researcher in informatics, introduced us to the technical foundations of AI. We looked at examples such as the EU AI Act which illustrated just how intricate this legal landscape is. Thanks to a crash course on law by Prof. Dr. Pichonnaz, even those of us without a legal background, like myself, could engage in the debates that followed. The guest lecturers provided insights into applications of AI, for example in criminal law or the medical field. We spoke with the Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Communication about ongoing efforts to regulate AI in Switzerland. Hearing first hand about something that will directly impact us in the future was really exciting.

Over the week, we worked on group projects, focusing on specific areas such as data ownership in Large Language Models or the use of AI in judicial systems. We even staged a mock trial titled "Fred the Smart Fridge versus the State," imagining a future where an AI machine might be treated as its own legal entity. By the end of the academy, there wasn’t one definitive answer to how AI should be governed. Instead, as lecturer Ana Jobin, pointed out: "Understanding why and how is the way to navigate it in the future." As a volunteer for the Maths Olympiad and a student of mathematics, I’m used to dealing with uncertainty in abstract ways. However, this academy shifted my perspective on how uncertainty applies within the legal framework surrounding AI. 

Overall, the summer academy was a transformative experience. Even during our breaks, the interesting conversations with both professors and fellow students continued, reflecting the depth of interest in these themes. If you enjoy critical thinking, meaningful discussions on cutting-edge topics, and the chance to meet like-minded individuals in a beautiful setting, then the summer academies of the Study Foundation are the perfect fit for you.