Scientists from around the world will be heading to Monaco next month for a major international meeting of the Global Virus Network that will table topics from ‘Harnessing AI to Transform Pandemic Preparedness’ to ‘Tackling the Challenges of Arboviruses and Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses’.
From 19th to 21st October, a series of back-to-back meetings and conferences on a wide range of themes related to the improvement of the detection and management of viral diseases will take place at the Novotel Monte-Carlo.
The Principality’s own Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) will be taking part in the Global Virus Network-led (GVN) event, and the facility’s president, Professor Patrick Rampal, will be giving two separate talks on the opening day of the conference.
“The difficulties encountered in responding to the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for a multidimensional and coordinated approach between different actors of health systems, laboratories, States and more broadly populations, to deploy quick and efficient responses on a large scale,” says Professor Rampal, who is in fact opening the annual meeting with a speech on ‘Connecting Science, Innovation and Global Health to Confront Viral Threats’.
“In the Principality, the CSM was strongly involved during the pandemic by providing screening and molecular monitoring, including the surveillance of variants and individual variant immunological status in order to individualise vaccination scheme,” he continues. “This pro-active and evidence-based policy has only been possible thanks to the collaboration between the CSM team and the experts of the GVN… We are pleased that the GVN has chosen Monaco to hold its annual meeting, which will surely help to identify avenues for future action.”
Numerous leaders in their respective fields will also be participating, but the main draw is almost certainly the “legendary” Doctor Robert Gallo, the co-discoverer of HIV, the cause of AIDS, and a two-time recipient of the Albert Lasker Award.
For more information about the event, please click here.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
MonacoTech, the Principality’s main start-up incubator, has launched a new call for projects that fall within one of five innovative categories.
Launched in 2017 by the Prince’s Government, MonacoTech today supports 22 start-ups, in addition to an alumni community, and offers a tailor-made 18-month support program to entrepreneurs in Monaco.
On Monday 17th October, the incubator launchd its next call for projects which must fall into the following categories: Greentech/Energy, Biotech/Medtech, Yachting, Fintech and Digital (AI, APP).
Successful start-ups will receive personalised support and monitoring; workshops led by experts; connections with key players in the ecosystem; access to specialised events; and a premises adapted to each need including a FabLab for experiments, a media room for audiovisual needs, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms.
To be selected, projects must present an innovative concept or technology and fall into one of the incubator’s five preferred sectors.
Applications are open from 17th October to 21st November on www.monacotech.mc.
The projects selected at the end of the jury process will join the program in March 2024.
A panel of experts from the worlds of economics and academia will discuss “natural capital”, with a particular focus on environmental and environmentally-friendly financial issues, at a sustainability event hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco in November.
‘Natural Capital: Challenges and Solutions for a Sustainable Future’ will unite a panel of experts with different science-based backgrounds for a morning of discussions and talks on Thursday 9th November at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The event has attracted the backing of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and is set to be attended by a number of key figures, such as: Director of Impact Investing at BNP Paribas Sylvain Taboni; UGI President Marc Garcia-Duran Huet; Pierre Bardoux-Chesneau, Director of the United Nations Capital Development Fund; and Romain Renoux, the Executive Director of The MedFund.
According to the organisers, BNP Paribas Monaco and the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, the outcome of the panel will be reported and “serve as a working paper in view of COP28”, the United Nations Climate Change Conference set to take place later next month in Dubai.
The event will be followed by two days of workshops and mini-conferences for professionals at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco on the theme of ‘Blue Carbon: Developing Solutions for a Just Transition’.
From a near-perfect score in the Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards to being crowned ‘Best Spa in Monaco’, here’s everything you need to know about the new accolades won by the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo.
The Hôtel Métropole has long been recognised as an exceptional establishment that exudes elegance and refinement, but 2023 will go down in the history of the hotel as a particularly exemplary year.
In the last few weeks, the five-star hotel has been rewarded with not one, not even two, but three international accolades from well-respected hospitality industry entities. They are, according to General Manager Serge Ethuin, “a testament to the dedication and passion” of an “exceptional team”.
“[The] Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, a beacon of luxury and refinement in the world of hospitality and an iconic establishment nestled in the heart of Monte-Carlo, is thrilled to announce its remarkable achievement of multiple prestigious awards in 2023, solidifying its status as a world-class destination for discerning travellers,” he says. “We are truly honoured to be recognised by these prestigious organisations.”
THE BIG THREE
First up, the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards gave the Métropole the impressive third spot in its ranking of hotels in the south of France and Monaco with a near-perfect score of 98.32/100.
Among the compliments for the hotel’s impeccable “pedigree” and heritage, the Condé Nast Awards also made mention of the Métropole “excellent” food options, with a particular reference to Chef Takeo Yamazaki’s Yoshi, and “top-notch” spa.
Yoshi, the Japanese-style restaurant by Chef Takeo Yamazaki. Photo credit: Bernard Touillon
It is this latter feature that helped the Hôtel Métropole clinch its second award: the World Spa Award’s Best Spa in Monaco prize for its dedication to offering up top of the line service and wellness experiences.
Finally, the World Travel Awards named the Métropole as Monaco’s Leading Hotel for 2023 as well as Monaco’s Leading Hotel Suite for 2023 for its breath-taking Carré d’Or suite. The Carré d’Or’s epic views, sumptuous amenities and top-shelf service sealed the deal.
“These awards underscore the hotel’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of guest experience, from elegant accommodations to impeccable service,” concludes Ethuin. “The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo has consistently been a symbol of luxury, elegance and world-class hospitality. The hotel’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, combined with its luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options and state-of-the-art amenities, has made it a top choice for travellers seeking a memorable and sumptuous experience.”
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Téo Andant, the 400m World Champion silver medalist, has received important backing from Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) announced on Tuesday 17th October that it had signed an agreement of partnership with the Monaco Athletics Federation to support the “exceptional trajectory” of young Téo Andant.
Téo Andant was born in Menton and has represented Monaco since 2023. He is a sprinter and middle-distance runner who specialises in the 400 metres.
After obtaining bronze at the European Championship in Munich, then gold (solo) at the French Championship, the 24-year-old was crowned World Champion silver medallist with the 4×400 French relay team in August.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Albert II, by Stéphane Valeri, Deputy President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, “in order to associate SBM’s values with those of high-level athletics, between individual commitment and team spirit, by always aiming higher to raise its level of performance,” together with Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President of the Monaco Athletics Federation, and Téo Andant.
As the moon casts an eerie glow and the world transforms into enchanting darkness, Halloween is fast approaching. Monaco, in its own unique way, prepares for a celebration that promises a perfect blend of chills and thrills.
With a range of events, the Principality caters to both the young and the young at heart. Grab your broomsticks and costumes as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the Halloween happenings around the Principality.
Mairie de Monaco events: family fun and teen thrills
Monaco’s youngsters are in for a treat, and maybe a few tricks, as Princess Antoinette Park hosts a range of Halloween events for the kids. There will be a reading workshop at À Fàbrica Hall on Monday 30th October at 2:30pm, where young readers aged five to seven are in for a captivating tale ‘Potion and Witch’, a collaborative effort with ‘La Valise à histoires’.
There is also going to be a ‘Grand Halloween Game’ on Tuesday 31st October, from 2pm to 5pm. Children aged six and up are invited to participate in the 13th edition of the Grand Halloween Game (‘Grand Jeu Halloween’) at Princess Antoinette Park, orchestrated by the La Boîte de Jeux teams. Courageous participants can don their favourite costumes and immerse themselves in an afternoon of candy, thrills, and excitement. As an extra treat this year, a makeup station will be on hand.
Both events are free to attend, with the reading workshop requiring prior registration, and the Halloween Game offering on-site sign-up between 2pm and 4pm.
Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department
The highly anticipated ‘Halloween Party’ is making its grand return this year at Espace Léo Ferré on the evening of Tuesday 31st October, designed exclusively for students and residents of the Principality aged 14 to 17. A DJ will be creating the perfect atmosphere, and attendees, dressed in their favourite costumes, can enjoy the night’s memories at a photo booth. Every Principality resident or student is allowed to bring a guest of the same age from outside Monaco (provided the necessary documentation is presented).
In such cases, tickets for both the primary participant and their accompanying guest must be purchased and collected together. Ticket price is €20, offering unlimited drinks and access to a candy bar. Pre-sales begin on 18th October, from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm, and any remaining tickets will be available on-site on the same evening, subject to availability.
Families can immerse themselves in a creative and enjoyable workshop at Jardin Exotique until 31st October. The agenda includes crafting dreamcatchers and adorning special Halloween-themed terracotta pots. These activities are available from Monday to Friday, spanning from 9am to 4pm. The cost is €25, which covers both plants and materials.
Photo source: Mairie de Monaco
Not to miss, there will also be a ‘Grand Game’ at the Botanical Centre for the older kids aged eight and over on 31stOctober. Hosted by La Boîte de Jeux, this grand game takes place in the walkways and greenhouses of the Botanical Centre. The event commences at 7:30pm and concludes at 9:30pm. It is both free and open to all children who attend school or reside in Monaco and are aged eight and above. For both events, secure your spot by registering in advance through +377 93 15 29 80 or by emailing jardin-exotique@mairie.mc.
The Médiathèque de Monaco seizes the opportunity to offer a pair of Halloween-themed events tailored for different age groups. For those aged 14 and older, a game night is on the agenda, taking place on Friday 20th October at 7pm at the Princess Caroline Library. Be sure to register early as places are limited. Contact +377 93 15 22 72 to secure your spot.
For the younger crowd aged six and up, a popcorn cinema screening of the film ‘Kiki the Little Witch’ awaits. The screening is scheduled for Friday 27th October at 6pm at the Louis Notari Library. Entry is open and free.
Photo source: Mairie de Monaco
Espace Lamartine is set to host a spooktacular Halloween event on 31st October, inviting its members to a day filled with specially curated activities. The venue will be transformed with eerie decor.
The day kicks off at 10:30am with an energetic fitness class inspired by Wednesday from the Addams Family. At 12:00pm, there’s a thematic meal designed for those aged 60 and above, served at the A Pignata Senior Restaurant. The excitement continues with a lively step session at 12:30pm. As night descends, Espace Lamartine turns into a Halloween haven from 6pm to 11:30pm. This spooky evening includes a makeup session from 6pm to 8pm, followed by a DJ performance starting at 7:30pm. Espace Lamartine welcomes Monégasques, residents, and young scholars aged 16 and above.
For additional information and registration, please reach out at +377 93 30 63 78 or espacelamartine@mairie.mc.
Twiga Halloween party, photo source: Twiga
Monaco after dark: adults-only Halloween soirées
Twiga Monte-carlo is throwing an enchanted evening on 31st October, where spookiness meets fun to capture the essence of bewitching fantasies. During the night there will also be a ‘Billionaire Resort & Retreat Malindi costume contest’. Dress up in your most spectacular creation, and you might just win a getaway to the Billionaire Resort & Retreat in Malindi, Kenya.
For an entire week, from 24th October to 4th November, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo will be transformed into a hauntingly delicious venue. Their Asian fusion cuisine will mingle with traditional Halloween fare, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
Sass Café is throwing a Halloween party that will transport guests into Jack Sparrow’s pirate world on 31st October. Put together your finest pirate attire and prepare for a night of unforgettable glamour and spookiness at Sass Café’s Black Pearl-themed festivity.
Monaco is all set to make this Halloween a memorable one. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or adult-themed thrills, there’s something for everyone in the Principality.
Did we miss something? Email us at editor@monacolife.net
