On 14 November 2019, the National Future Day, numerous children took the opportunity to accompany a caregiver to Eawag in Dübendorf or Kastanienbaum. They were able to take a look at the everyday work of Eawag employees and experience up close what water research is all about.

In Dübendorf, the young visitors learnt what Eawag employees are up against on a daily basis. After introducing the boys and girls to the profession of a laboratory technician and merchant, the Sandec department kicked off the programme with group activities focusing on water quality in developing countries and conversion of organic waste into animal feed.

In the Water Hub, the children experienced how urine becomes fertiliser and what else can be gained from urine, because wastewater is an important resource. Later in the morning, the young researchers learnt about the great diversity of microorganisms in water. Samples were taken at various places along the Chriesbach river and pond, which the children were allowed to examine more closely under microscopes. With much research élan, they analysed flea crabs, caddis fly and dragonfly larvae as well as other water inhabitants.

The children were also able to get a taste of science in Kastanienbaum. Take a look at the photos - they say more than words. It was a joyful experience for all participants to teach this keen and enthusiastic group of boys and girls something useful for the future. "Maybe we'll meet again, who knows?" To which one of the children replied: "Yes, next year at the Future Day!"

Those involved in the 2019 Future Day were:

Kastanienbaum: Christine Weber, Beat Müller, Michael Plüss, Julian Junker, Tom Steinsberger, Patricia Achleitner

Dübendorf: Denise Freudemann, Melanie Alonso, Christoph Lüthi, Regula Meierhofer, Silvana Wüst, Carina Doll, Marta Reyes, Bettina Dubach, Rosina Beer, Ilse Hildbrand

Photos: Raoul Schaffner, Patricia Achleitner, Ilse Hildbrand