The workshops in Hangar 3 are opening their doors to you. For two hours, you’ll have access to the machines and tools that students and young entrepreneurs use to turn their ideas into prototypes and test them. Under expert guidance, you’ll build your own personalized prototype in this workshop—you’ll solder, laser, and 3D-print. At the […]
The soil beneath our feet influences our diet, our homes, the climate—in short, our entire lives. How can we manage this vital resource responsibly? In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover in a playful and collaborative way how soils work, what role they play in the ecosystem, and how closely our daily lives are connected to […]
Satellites, drones, and AI are opening up new possibilities for monitoring forests in the face of climate change. Earth observation is becoming environmental intelligence: environmental stress can be detected earlier, tree species can be distinguished, deadwood can be mapped, and changes in the forest can be visualized. This provides a crucial foundation for early-warning systems […]
In low-dimensional quantum materials, electrons no longer behave as they do in everyday materials. At this smallest scale, the arrangement of atoms and the interactions between electrons can completely change how electricity flows – and researchers can measure these effects! Using clear images and simple concepts, the talk opens a window into experiments with the […]
How can light be used to move tiny particles? And what happens when materials become so thin that they consist of just a single layer of atoms? On this laboratory tour, you will discover research conducted at the Photonics Laboratory. Researchers here explore how light interacts with matter, from ultra-thin materials to nanoparticles that can […]
How do scientists study the building blocks of life? On this guided tour of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), you’ll gain fascinating insights into the cutting-edge technologies used to study DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Discover how genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics work together to better understand biological processes in cells. The tour is designed for […]
In the exhibition “What Makes Us Human?”, we explore the latest research from the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zurich. We examine how communication, culture, and cooperation have shaped human development and how researchers are studying these traits in other animals.
How can we better protect ourselves from floods? How can rivers be restored to a more natural state? And how can hydropower plants be made more efficient? At the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), researchers explore these questions using impressive physical models and state-of-the-art measuring technology. During this guided tour, you will gain […]
Is curiosity-driven research a luxury we cannot afford, or the source of the breakthroughs we never see coming? Some research follows nothing but a question and is dismissed as wasteful – until it isn't. Other research arrives loudly applauded, only to reveal hype dressed up as discovery. Through historical cases and audience reflection, this talk […]
Since the war began in Sudan in 2023, many buildings, roads and heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed. But there are areas that are now considered relatively safe, and people are beginning to return. Recovery now depends on housing, infrastructure and access to construction materials. Using Khartoum as an example, this talk looks at […]
How do researchers find the knowledge their work builds on? And how has the search for chemical information changed over the past few decades? On this guided tour of the Chemistry | Biology | Pharmacy Information Centre, you will use the example of theobromine – a feel-good compound found in chocolate – to discover how […]
How do scientists study the building blocks of life? On this guided tour of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), you’ll gain fascinating insights into the cutting-edge technologies used to study DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Discover how genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics work together to better understand biological processes in cells. The tour is designed for […]
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
How can we better protect ourselves from floods? How can rivers be restored to a more natural state? And how can hydropower plants be made more efficient? At the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), researchers explore these questions using impressive physical models and state-of-the-art measuring technology. During this guided tour, you will gain […]
From fire to electricity to the digital bit, new ways of controlling matter, energy and information have repeatedly transformed society. Today, quantum computing captures much of the public imagination – but behind it lies another frontier: quantum control. Researchers at ETH Zurich are developing methods to interact light and matter with extraordinary precision, enabling new […]
Which tree species are best suited to the forests of the future? And how is climate change transforming our woodlands? On this guided tour, you will explore the Waldlabor Zurich on the Hönggerberg and discover how researchers are tackling these questions. Together, we will walk into the Hönggerberg forest and visit the arboretum, a unique […]
How can we make particles visible that are so small we can’t see them even with the best microscope? In this workshop, we’ll set up a cloud chamber to observe traces of elementary particles generated in the atmosphere and learn how to use it to study pyramids. Other events by the UZH Physik-Institut at […]
How can light be used to move tiny particles? And what happens when materials become so thin that they consist of just a single layer of atoms? On this laboratory tour, you will discover research conducted at the Photonics Laboratory. Researchers here explore how light interacts with matter, from ultra-thin materials to nanoparticles that can […]
How do scientists study the building blocks of life? On this guided tour of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), you’ll gain fascinating insights into the cutting-edge technologies used to study DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Discover how genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics work together to better understand biological processes in cells. The tour is designed for […]
Who suffers most when cities get hotter? And how can we make cities not only cooler, but fairer? In this interactive workshop you will play the Thermal Justice board game, developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and Eawag: a fun and interactive way to explore how buildings, streets, trees, energy systems, and social inequalities shape […]
In the exhibition “What Makes Us Human?”, we explore the latest research from the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zurich. We examine how communication, culture, and cooperation have shaped human development and how researchers are studying these traits in other animals.
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
How can we better protect ourselves from floods? How can rivers be restored to a more natural state? And how can hydropower plants be made more efficient? At the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), researchers explore these questions using impressive physical models and state-of-the-art measuring technology. During this guided tour, you will gain […]
How do diseases like ALS or frontotemporal dementia, which damage nerve cells in the brain, develop? On this tour of the Polymenidou Group’s laboratory, you’ll gain fascinating insights into current brain research. Young scientists will demonstrate how they investigate the causes of these diseases—from processes in individual cells to specialized disease models. Learn how research […]
What would life be without bread, fruit or sugar? Many of the plants that feed us – including bananas and wheat – have extra sets of chromosomes. These “super plants” are not GMOs, but natural innovations that can outperform their “regular” relatives. By studying how evolution has reshaped their genomes, researchers can better understand what […]
How well do you know the people of the Canton of Zurich? This interactive quiz makes findings from population research accessible in a fun way. The questions draw on topics from the lecture series “Focus on People: How Science Studies Society” from the spring semester of 2026 and show how research helps us better understand […]
Join us for a walk through the forest, just a few minutes from the Hönggerberg campus. Together, we will follow a raindrop on its journey through the forest: from the canopy, along tree trunks and across the forest floor, into a stream or back into the atmosphere. Along the way, you will learn about the […]
How do researchers find the knowledge their work builds on? And how has the search for chemical information changed over the past few decades? On this guided tour of the Chemistry | Biology | Pharmacy Information Centre, you will use the example of theobromine – a feel-good compound found in chocolate – to discover how […]
How do scientists study the building blocks of life? On this guided tour of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), you’ll gain fascinating insights into the cutting-edge technologies used to study DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Discover how genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics work together to better understand biological processes in cells. The tour is designed for […]
How can we make particles visible that are so small we can’t see them even with the best microscope? In this workshop, we’ll set up a cloud chamber to observe traces of elementary particles generated in the atmosphere and learn how to use it to study pyramids. Other events by the UZH Physik-Institut at […]
Animal testing has made many medical advances possible—from cancer research to the treatment of brain disorders. At the same time, animal research in Switzerland faces intense pressure to justify its use. Historical milestones and current examples from the neurosciences clearly illustrate the role that animal models play in basic biomedical research. This lecture offers young […]
Which tree species are best suited to the forests of the future? And how is climate change transforming our woodlands? On this guided tour, you will explore the Waldlabor Zurich on the Hönggerberg and discover how researchers are tackling these questions. Together, we will walk into the Hönggerberg forest and visit the arboretum, a unique […]
How can light be used to move tiny particles? And what happens when materials become so thin that they consist of just a single layer of atoms? On this laboratory tour, you will discover research conducted at the Photonics Laboratory. Researchers here explore how light interacts with matter, from ultra-thin materials to nanoparticles that can […]
How do scientists study the building blocks of life? On this guided tour of the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), you’ll gain fascinating insights into the cutting-edge technologies used to study DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Discover how genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics work together to better understand biological processes in cells. The tour is designed for […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
This interactive workshop not only explains dementia but also lets you experience it firsthand. It helps participants understand the realities of life for people with dementia and shows how professional care and current research are improving the quality of care. A doctor will answer your questions about dementia, diagnosis, and treatment. Here’s what to expect: […]
Burial and cremation are established forms of saying goodbye. But environmental and social developments are giving rise to new options. What might saying goodbye look like in the future? About 135 years ago, the Sihlfeld cemetery set a milestone by opening Switzerland’s first crematorium. Today, the city of Zurich is reviving that pioneering spirit and […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
This historical tour of the university district focuses on the wealthy families and individuals who have shaped the city's social, artistic, and academic life. The sites and villas visited on this tour offer participants insight into the role of the former patrician families associated with the textile industry, as well as traces of the stay […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
What does the future of surgery look like? This immersive tour takes you into the OR-X (Operating Room X), the surgical training and research center of Balgrist University Hospital and the University of Zurich, where new technologies and surgical procedures are explored in a highly realistic operating room environment. Participants gain insights into a unique […]
Hot days and tropical nights are on the rise in Zurich. What is the city doing to protect and maintain the health and quality of life of its residents? On this walk through Kreis 5, you’ll learn how asphalt, concrete, green spaces, and the surrounding hillsides influence the local urban climate. You’ll gain insight into […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
Artificial intelligence analyzes medical imaging data, autonomous robots handle transport, and an automated high-bay warehouse manages hospital beds: At the Stadtspital Zurich, the medicine of the future is already a reality today. A keynote presentation by the Eye Clinic will demonstrate how artificial intelligence supports medicine, what vision lies behind a digital eye clinic, and […]
Traffic continues to flow beneath Ueberlandpark. Above, meadows, shrubs, and wall gardens thrive—and a new open space connects neighborhoods, people, and nature. On a guided tour of Ueberlandpark in Zurich-Schwamendingen, you’ll learn how a noise-reduction project evolved into a neighborhood park with far-reaching ecological and social functions. It took over 25 years of planning and […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
Burial and cremation are established forms of saying goodbye. But environmental and social developments are giving rise to new options. What might saying goodbye look like in the future? About 135 years ago, the Sihlfeld cemetery set a milestone by opening Switzerland’s first crematorium. Today, the city of Zurich is reviving that pioneering spirit and […]
Terekty is not just the name of a river in Central Asia. Terekty is also the name of a scientific travel and expedition documentary film. It takes you to the remote high mountains of Kyrgyzstan, where an international expedition team is following the glaciers of the Tian Shan – retracing the steps of a research […]
Weight-loss injections are currently on everyone’s lips. But how were they developed, how do they work—and what side effects might occur? What are their advantages and disadvantages compared to other treatments for metabolic diseases? The Science Café hosted by Life Science Zurich will address these questions. Learn more about the underlying mechanisms and what distinguishes […]
How do emergency responders train for real-life emergencies without putting people at risk? In this interactive demonstration, you’ll use virtual reality to immerse yourself in a realistic rescue operation. Experience firsthand how professional emergency responders must work together under time pressure, make decisions, and maintain a clear overview even in chaotic situations. You’ll learn how […]
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
How does a measurement become a map? And why does geospatial data make your everyday life in Zurich better? At Geomatik+Vermessung Zürich, you’ll dive into the invisible world behind city maps and digital 3D models. At various stations, you can try things out for yourself, marvel at what you see, and get involved: Estimate distances […]
On this journey into the realm of the giants, you will get up close and personal with dinosaurs and their relatives. You will encounter massive teeth and claws, vegetation that has survived for millions of years, as well as long necks and spiny tails designed for defense. You will learn where and how dinosaurs are […]
Artificial intelligence is everywhere today, but how can it help us find answers and sources for a wide variety of questions? In this workshop, we’ll provide an easy-to-understand overview of how AI works, highlight critical aspects of AI, and demonstrate practical tools using prompting techniques that yield better results. The second part focuses on hands-on […]
New approaches are needed to promote the responsible use of cannabis. The pilot study “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility”, conducted by the City of Zurich and the University of Zurich, therefore examines the effects of obtaining cannabis products from controlled cultivation under regulated conditions on participants’ consumption and health, and explores regulatory issues. As […]
Traffic continues to flow beneath Ueberlandpark. Above, meadows, shrubs, and wall gardens thrive—and a new open space connects neighborhoods, people, and nature. On a guided tour of Ueberlandpark in Zurich-Schwamendingen, you’ll learn how a noise-reduction project evolved into a neighborhood park with far-reaching ecological and social functions. It took over 25 years of planning and […]
How do emergency responders train for real-life emergencies without putting people at risk? In this interactive demonstration, you’ll use virtual reality to immerse yourself in a realistic rescue operation. Experience firsthand how professional emergency responders must work together under time pressure, make decisions, and maintain a clear overview even in chaotic situations. You’ll learn how […]
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
Burial and cremation are established forms of saying goodbye. But environmental and social developments are giving rise to new options. What might saying goodbye look like in the future? About 135 years ago, the Sihlfeld cemetery set a milestone by opening Switzerland’s first crematorium. Today, the city of Zurich is reviving that pioneering spirit and […]
Burial and cremation are established forms of saying goodbye. But environmental and social developments are giving rise to new options. What might saying goodbye look like in the future? About 135 years ago, the Sihlfeld cemetery set a milestone by opening Switzerland’s first crematorium. Today, the city of Zurich is reviving that pioneering spirit and […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
Join artist Isabell Bullerschen as she immerses you in the mixed-reality installation Val Mucilaginosa and discover two worlds of healing knowledge. Val Mucilaginosa combines ethnobotanical research on the use of plants as remedies with insights from biochemistry. The artwork views healing not as fixed knowledge, but as a living, relational process. Visitors move between two […]
Join artist Isabell Bullerschen as she immerses you in the mixed-reality installation Val Mucilaginosa and discover two worlds of healing knowledge. Val Mucilaginosa combines ethnobotanical research on the use of plants as remedies with insights from biochemistry. The artwork views healing not as fixed knowledge, but as a living, relational process. Visitors move between […]
Burial and cremation are established forms of saying goodbye. But environmental and social developments are giving rise to new options. What might saying goodbye look like in the future? About 135 years ago, the Sihlfeld cemetery set a milestone by opening Switzerland’s first crematorium. Today, the city of Zurich is reviving that pioneering spirit and […]
Join artist Isabell Bullerschen as she immerses you in the mixed-reality installation Val Mucilaginosa and discover two worlds of healing knowledge. Val Mucilaginosa combines ethnobotanical research on the use of plants as remedies with insights from biochemistry. The artwork views healing not as fixed knowledge, but as a living, relational process. Visitors move between […]
Join artist Isabell Bullerschen as she immerses you in the mixed-reality installation Val Mucilaginosa and discover two worlds of healing knowledge. Val Mucilaginosa combines ethnobotanical research on the use of plants as remedies with insights from biochemistry. The artwork views healing not as fixed knowledge, but as a living, relational process. Visitors move between […]
This guided experience takes participants to the Careum Auditorium, an IMMERSE partner venue in Zurich’s university district, where new forms of immersive presentation and storytelling are brought to life through large-format 3D projections and state-of-the-art event technology. Visitors enter a unique space that transforms how content can be viewed and experienced. Instead of traditional presentations, […]
How can a parking lot help make Zurich’s streets more climate-friendly? And which types of pavement are truly effective in combating urban heat islands? At the test site near Theater 11, a parking lot is being transformed into a climate laboratory—the only one of its kind in Switzerland. The City of Zurich and the ZHAW […]
What happens to our wastewater? Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) invites you to visit the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant in Zurich—a state-of-the-art facility with five treatment stages. On a guided tour featuring various stops, you’ll discover how the Werdhölzli plant is preparing for the future. It all began in 1926 with a simple settling tank. […]
Join us on an interactive and exciting journey through the world of medication safety. The focus is on: How can medication errors be prevented? In the keynote presentation, a doctor will explain the basics and risks associated with multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy in older adults. Afterward, we’ll reveal just how much science lies behind […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
What is origami doing in space, and why do some animals stay dry in water? These and other questions will be answered in front of the museum’s specimens. With animal role models like the ladybug, the water shrew, the hammerhead shark, and the white stork, we’ll dive into the exciting world of bionics and marvel […]
What happens to our wastewater? Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) invites you to visit the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant in Zurich—a state-of-the-art facility with five treatment stages. On a guided tour featuring various stops, you’ll discover how the Werdhölzli plant is preparing for the future. It all began in 1926 with a simple settling tank. […]
With its approximately 300 employees, the City of Zurich’s water utility supplies drinking water to about 1 million people. In addition to the City of Zurich, we provide drinking water to 67 surrounding municipalities—around the clock, 365 days a year. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of drinking water and take a look behind the […]
Why do disinformation and conspiracy theories spread so quickly? What motivations lie behind them? What impact does AI have on fake news? And how can they be uncovered? In this 120-minute workshop, participants explore the theoretical background and learn methods and tools to distinguish fact from fiction. Participants have the opportunity to play “Newsmaker”, a […]
A room full of new games in the microcosm of Zurich’s gaming industry. Developers showcasing their prototypes. And you don’t just watch—you play, test, and provide feedback yourself. Together with the Swiss Game Hub and the UZH DSI Community Gaming, the City of Zurich’s Economic Development Agency invites you to an evening where games demonstrate […]
How can a parking lot help make Zurich’s streets more climate-friendly? And which types of pavement are truly effective in combating urban heat islands? At the test site near Theater 11, a parking lot is being transformed into a climate laboratory—the only one of its kind in Switzerland. The City of Zurich and the ZHAW […]
We are all familiar with the inheritance of physical traits, such as eye colour, or genetic predispositions to certain diseases. We also recognize how aspects of personality can be passed on through behaviour and upbringing. But can parental experiences - particularly stressful or traumatic ones - also leave a molecular imprint that influences the next […]
This interactive workshop not only explains dementia but also lets you experience it firsthand. It helps participants understand the realities of life for people with dementia and shows how professional care and current research are improving the quality of care. A doctor will answer your questions about dementia, diagnosis, and treatment. Here’s what to expect: […]
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
Reading historical manuscripts and prints can often be a challenge. At the Zurich Central Library, we use AI-powered text recognition to convert historical collections into digital text formats. This allows us to make them more widely available online and in databases. This tour offers you a glimpse into our digitization center, where our valuable collections […]
How does a measurement become a map? And why does geospatial data make your everyday life in Zurich better? At Geomatik+Vermessung Zürich, you’ll dive into the invisible world behind city maps and digital 3D models. At various stations, you can try things out for yourself, marvel at what you see, and get involved: Estimate distances […]
Tiny projects are “real-world laboratories” for urban greening: bold, quick to implement, and surprisingly effective. They promote biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and mitigate summer heat. Join us on a walk and learn more about these innovative approaches to urban greening. At the “SRF Media Garden”, you’ll see how a paved courtyard can be transformed into […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
Ichthyosaurs belong to a group of reptiles that were extremely successful during the Mesozoic Era. Fossils of these dolphin-like marine creatures have been found in many parts of Switzerland. What makes ichthyosaurs unique? What did they eat? And why did this group of animals, like whales, evolve to live in the ocean?
New approaches are needed to promote the responsible use of cannabis. The pilot study “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility”, conducted by the City of Zurich and the University of Zurich, therefore examines the effects of obtaining cannabis products from controlled cultivation under regulated conditions on participants’ consumption and health, and explores regulatory issues. As […]
How can scientific findings on environmental sustainability be communicated in a way that is understandable, encourages critical thinking, and opens up new perspectives? Using three projects from the Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH) as examples, we show how science can be made participatory and accessible. Augmented Ecospheres uses artistic installations to […]
What happens when materials become so small that they consist of only a few atoms? At this tiny scale, the rules of physics differ from those that govern our everyday world. Researchers at ETH Zurich explore precisely this fascinating quantum realm. On this laboratory tour, you will gain exclusive insights into the use of highly […]
Can a visit to a museum reduce stress? Does dancing help us cope better with stress? And what role do nature, creativity and cultural experiences play in our mental health? At the Science Café, you’ll learn what research has revealed about the influence of art and culture on health and well-being. Experts from the fields […]
Beyond stereo, the Vivid Sound Lab offers a unique opportunity to dip into naturalistic soundscapes. In the real world, sounds come from all directions. The 42-loudspeaker dome allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the acoustic surroundings. Step inside and explore how sound behaves in space. Try the sound showers that 'pour' audio from all […]
At the Science Café, discover the art installation Respiratory Encounters by Anthea Oestreicher and immerse yourself in the hidden world of algae, microorganisms, and aquatic plants. Observe how sensors make ecological processes visible in real time, and experience how closely your own breath is connected to organisms that produce a large portion of the oxygen. […]
What happens to our wastewater? Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) invites you to visit the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant in Zurich—a state-of-the-art facility with five treatment stages. On a guided tour featuring various stops, you’ll discover how the Werdhölzli plant is preparing for the future. It all began in 1926 with a simple settling tank. […]
What happens to our wastewater? Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) invites you to visit the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant in Zurich—a state-of-the-art facility with five treatment stages. On a guided tour featuring various stops, you’ll discover how the Werdhölzli plant is preparing for the future. It all began in 1926 with a simple settling tank. […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
Join us on an interactive and exciting journey through the world of medication safety. The focus is on: How can medication errors be prevented? In the keynote presentation, a doctor will explain the basics and risks associated with multiple chronic conditions and polypharmacy in older adults. Afterward, we’ll reveal just how much science lies behind […]
Tiny projects are “real-world laboratories” for urban greening: bold, quick to implement, and surprisingly effective. They promote biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and mitigate summer heat. Join us on a walk and learn more about these innovative approaches to urban greening. At the “SRF Media Garden”, you’ll see how a paved courtyard can be transformed into […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
Ticino is not only a popular holiday destination, but also a globally recognised palaeontological gem. Monte San Giorgio is home to one of the world’s most significant fossil sites. Fascinating marine reptiles and ancient fish ruled the oceans over 240 million years ago, when most of Europe lay beneath the sea. Immerse yourself in the […]
With its approximately 300 employees, the City of Zurich’s water utility supplies drinking water to about 1 million people. In addition to the City of Zurich, we provide drinking water to 67 surrounding municipalities—around the clock, 365 days a year. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of drinking water and take a look behind the […]
Lifegarden is the first scientifically developed resilience course—a kind of fitness trail for the mind. Surrounded by nature at the University Psychiatric Hospital, you’ll experience five stations where you can learn how to independently cultivate mental strength, serenity, and self-efficacy. Join us on a guided tour and discover how the latest research from the University of […]
Zodiac sign, house number, first name, ... How many characteristics does it take for you to be the only person in Zurich to which all of them apply? And do you pay more or less rent than other people in your neighborhood? Find out at Statistik Stadt Zürich—and see firsthand how individual data points are […]
How Does a Plant Become a Medicine? This question might be answered differently in Uganda, Switzerland, and Colombia—and yet surprising connections emerge. As part of the special exhibition Plants as Medicine – Diversity in Switzerland, we invite you to a conversation exploring different perspectives on local healing knowledge. A healer from Uganda involved in a […]
Botanist and curator Seraina Rodewald takes the audience on a botanical research journey: from the great outdoors, where new species are discovered, to the Zurich Succulent Collection, which, with its unique diversity, makes plants accessible for research and offers crucial opportunities for comparison. Over the course of the journey, a plant is transformed into a […]
The kidneys are vital excretory organs. They remove substances from the blood that the body no longer needs and perform other important functions. How exactly does this process work? At the heart of it are the three main steps—filtration, reabsorption, and secretion—and how they interact. In addition, we’ll explore other functions of the kidneys, such […]
Amid the hustle and bustle of Scientifica, the UP4mint Parents’ Café invites you to take a short break. While your children experiment, tinker, build, and make little discoveries at supervised hands-on stations within sight, you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and find inspiration on the new parents’ portal. Each of the varied activities […]
In this panel discussion, an immunologist, a soil scientist and an infectious disease biologist will show you just how important microorganisms are to our lives. Together, we will look at what we already know about the microbiomes in our bodies and in the environment – and why research in this field is raising such high […]
During evolution, life on earth has adapted to survive in many extreme environments, including oceans, rivers, deserts and in the air. Changes in kidney function helped animals thrive in very different environments – and they still shape how our bodies work today. This talk explores why the secrets of the human kidney lie in our […]
Why do we so often imagine AI as godlike? From religious robots in science fiction to today’s powerful, seemingly all-seeing systems and large language models, artificial intelligence is surrounded by hopes, fears and myths. Drawing on research in digital religion, this talk explores a moment of technological and cultural change: What happens when AI talks […]
The ETH Library is Switzerland’s largest library for science and technology. But what happens behind the scenes? And how are millions of books, images, maps and other documents preserved, catalogued and safeguarded for the future? On this tour, you will gain access to areas of the ETH Library that are normally closed to visitors. You […]
Botanist and curator Seraina Rodewald takes the audience on a botanical research journey: from the great outdoors, where new species are discovered, to the Zurich Succulent Collection, which, with its unique diversity, makes plants accessible for research and offers crucial opportunities for comparison. Over the course of the journey, a plant is transformed into a […]
The kidney is an amazing organ that performs many vital functions. With increasing age, kidney function can decline—a condition that is particularly common in house cats. Chronic kidney disease usually develops gradually and often goes unnoticed for a long time. How can it be recognized? Here is an overview of the kidney’s functions, typical warning […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
What would life be without bread, fruit or sugar? Many of the plants that feed us – including bananas and wheat – have extra sets of chromosomes. These “super plants” are not GMOs, but natural innovations that can outperform their “regular” relatives. By studying how evolution has reshaped their genomes, researchers can better understand what […]
Russia’s war against Ukraine marks a turning point in European security policy. What are the causes of the war, how has it unfolded, and what strategies are the key players pursuing? The focus is on Russia’s war aims, Ukraine’s resilience, the role of Western support, and the consequences for the European security order. This also […]
What belongs in an archive – and what does not? Who decides which documents, personal papers and historical testimonies should be preserved for future generations? And how can historical records lead to new insights? On this guided tour, you will gain insights into the work of the Archives of Contemporary History (AfZ), which collects, preserves […]
From theory to practice. Global interdependence, conflicting environmental and social objectives, economic crises and political uncertainty shape economic decisions at every level – right down to our daily lives. In this Science Café, we aim to demonstrate and discuss how economic models and theories influence our daily lives and how understanding them enables us to […]
The kidneys filter the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones. In Switzerland, about one in ten people is affected by kidney disease. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Because kidney disease often goes unnoticed for a long time, prevention and early detection are particularly important. What factors influence kidney health—and […]
Suicidal tendencies affect many people and is often misunderstood. In this interactive workshop, researchers from the University of Zurich will work with participants to challenge common myths and shed light on the latest scientific findings. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will learn how suicidal ideation is studied, what warning, risk, and protective […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright is associated with the phrase “to understand what others only know”. But what is the difference between knowing and understanding? This talk explores the question through three perspectives: Spinoza’s 17th-century ideas on kinds of knowledge, Graham Wallas’s stages of the creative process, and Margaret Boden’s recent work on types […]
Every winter, bird flu makes headlines: Wild birds die in large numbers, while the poultry production is also threatened. Researchers from across Europe and various disciplines are studying how bird flu viruses spread, mutate, and are transmitted to animals. What was unique about the outbreaks in recent years? What does bird flu mean for Switzerland? […]
Kidney disease affects around 10 percent of people worldwide. To develop better treatments, researchers first need to understand how these diseases begin and progress. Lab-grown “mini-kidneys” can help reveal what happens in the early stages of kidney disease. They offer a new way to study disease processes closely – and may uncover clues for future […]
Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube shape our everyday lives. With every video and every “like,” these platforms collect data and create a personalized “digital meal.” In this workshop, we’ll show you what data is stored about you and how you can access it. Using the online tool “My Digital Meal,” you can analyze […]
The ETH Library is Switzerland’s largest library for science and technology. But what happens behind the scenes? And how are millions of books, images, maps and other documents preserved, catalogued and safeguarded for the future? On this tour, you will gain access to areas of the ETH Library that are normally closed to visitors. You […]
How do we generate knowledge for a better society? How do concrete policy solutions to the challenges of our time emerge? And what role do research and science play in this process? In this interactive workshop, you’ll gain fascinating insights into projects that demonstrate how scientific findings find their way into policy and society. At […]
What’s in a name? More than you might think. Names shape identities, evoke associations, and tell stories. People, places, and institutions are given new names when their role, their environment, or their sense of self changes. But how does a good name come about—and what makes it meaningful? The Ethnographic Museum at the University of […]
This Science Café focuses on so-called ‘forever chemicals’: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances have been used in many products for decades – from Teflon pans and rainwear to packaging and industrial applications. The problem is that PFAS hardly break down in the environment. Today, they can be detected even in remote regions and […]
Have you heard of the “Monuments Men”? They saved works of art during World War II—their story became widely known through a film directed by George Clooney (2014). Researchers who study historic buildings are, in a sense, the “Monuments Men” of the 21st century. They analyze construction sites as well as structure and furnishings to […]
Who suffers most when cities get hotter? And how can we make cities not only cooler, but fairer? In this interactive workshop you will play the Thermal Justice board game, developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and Eawag: a fun and interactive way to explore how buildings, streets, trees, energy systems, and social inequalities shape […]
Many people develop kidney stones at some point in their lives, with men being more likely to do so than women. There are many possible causes: genetic predisposition, diet, fluid balance, and environmental factors can all play a role. Why do kidney stones form, how can they be detected—and why is prevention so important?
How many times have you asked Alexa, Siri, or ChatGPT the same question? No matter how often we repeat ourselves, today's AI assistants stay polite, patient, and helpful. But what if an AI became sarcastic, challenged your opinion or pointed out that you had already asked the same question three times? Meet Stanley, an experimental […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
An autopsy provides information about a body. But is it really necessary to cut it open to do so? Virtopsy is a modern method in forensic medicine in which the deceased are examined virtually using CT, MRI, and 3D scans. This allows injuries, signs of illness, or traces to be documented precisely and transparently. This […]
Beauty is considered a matter of taste—yet what people have found beautiful has changed significantly throughout history. Using visual examples from prehistory, antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the modern era, the ideals of beauty and how they have evolved will be explored: What was considered to be beautiful in a person, which notions remained constant, […]
Every person’s cancer is different. Even tumors that look similar under the microscope can respond very differently to the same treatment, depending on their biology and the healthy cells around them. So how can doctors know which therapy is most likely to work? Researchers are growing miniature tumor models – called tumoroids – in the […]
What belongs in an archive – and what does not? Who decides which documents, personal papers and historical testimonies should be preserved for future generations? And how can historical records lead to new insights? On this guided tour, you will gain insights into the work of the Archives of Contemporary History (AfZ), which collects, preserves […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
Hospitals hold enormous amounts of knowledge in free-text formats such as clinical notes, discharge summaries and medical reports. Because these texts contain sensitive patient information, they are difficult to use for research. ClinD is a privacy platform that anonymizes unstructured medical data directly inside the hospital’s secure infrastructure. AI tools help detect and remove personal […]
From missed exams to missing pants: when we sleep, we enter worlds that are sometimes strange or completely impossible and sometimes utterly mundane. But how can researchers study something that happens only in the mind – and is often forgotten moments after waking? Dream research uses scientific methods to explore what we dream about, how […]
How can artificial intelligence learn from data that cannot be shared? Decentralized federated learning allows devices or institutions to train AI models together without sending their data to a central server. This talk will introduce how decentralized federated learning works, why it matters, and how it could support more private, secure and collaborative AI.
From an early age, we learn to organize and connect the many impressions around us. Our brains learn through experience to direct our attention specifically to those things that are important in a given situation. This allows us to learn with focus or to react quickly in critical situations. This ability of our brain has […]
Amid the hustle and bustle of Scientifica, the UP4mint Parents’ Café invites you to take a short break. While your children experiment, tinker, build, and make little discoveries at supervised hands-on stations within sight, you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and find inspiration on the new parents’ portal. Each of the varied activities […]
About 10 percent of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty. But how do we actually know that? Measuring poverty is complex: it requires clear definitions, reliable data, and methods that capture different realities of life. Fundamental concepts and approaches to measuring poverty are explained: How has poverty evolved worldwide? Where do most poor people […]
Images do not merely show what is true. They also portray what is claimed to be true. This was already the case in the early modern period: works of art could convey knowledge, suggest authority, raise doubts, or allow for ambiguity. This makes clear just how relevant these old strategies remain today: even on social […]
What belongs in an archive – and what does not? Who decides which documents, personal papers and historical testimonies should be preserved for future generations? And how can historical records lead to new insights? On this guided tour, you will gain insights into the work of the Archives of Contemporary History (AfZ), which collects, preserves […]
Cooking is far more than just following a recipe – it is an art. Cooking requires a fine sense of how the combination of ingredients defines the final taste and textures. Yet, part of the process can be recast in terms of physical mechanisms that once we understand them will allow us to control precisely […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
What do tiny aquatic organisms have to do with art? This guided tour of the exhibition at the Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich explores how the Swiss artist Hugo Suter (1943–2013) used plankton from Lake Hallwil in the canton of Aargau as the starting point for a fascinating body of work. Through selected artworks, you will […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
Space is closer than we think: Navigation, weather forecasts, communication, agriculture, climate research, and disaster relief all rely on satellite data and space technologies today. We take much of this for granted—often without even realizing it. The view from space helps us to find new paths, assess weather conditions, plan harvests, and detect natural hazards […]
AirTags, smartwatches and wireless headphones quietly communicate with nearby devices and Crowdsourced Finding Networks. These technologies can make everyday life easier by helping us locate lost items. But they can also be misused for unwanted tracking – and may reveal more about us than we realize. TRACE explores how tracking technologies work, why they are […]
What if Albert Einstein could answer your questions today? Digital Einstein is an AI avatar that speaks in real time, displays emotions, and responds to questions—just like the legendary physicist. Modern AI technology combines speech, facial expressions, and personality to bring historical figures back to life. At the same time, questions arise: What opportunities do […]
What’s in a name? More than you might think. Names shape identities, evoke associations, and tell stories. People, places, and institutions are given new names when their role, their environment, or their sense of self changes. But how does a good name come about—and what makes it meaningful? The Ethnographic Museum at the University of […]
The possibilities offered by modern medicine are advancing rapidly. Today, it is possible to obtain genetic information about an unborn child early in pregnancy without invasive procedures. Newborns in Switzerland are also routinely tested for certain rare diseases after birth. Currently, Switzerland's newborn screening program covers 11 diseases for which early treatment is crucial. However, […]
How can scientific ideas and concepts be made visible and easier to understand? The exhibition at extract presents more than 500 historical and contemporary teaching and research models from the scientific collections of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich – many of them on public display for the first time. Discover mathematical plaster models, […]
Who suffers most when cities get hotter? And how can we make cities not only cooler, but fairer? In this interactive workshop you will play the Thermal Justice board game, developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and Eawag: a fun and interactive way to explore how buildings, streets, trees, energy systems, and social inequalities shape […]
Suicidal tendencies affect many people and is often misunderstood. In this interactive workshop, researchers from the University of Zurich will work with participants to challenge common myths and shed light on the latest scientific findings. Through case studies, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will learn how suicidal ideation is studied, what warning, risk, and protective […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
How did people write in the past—and how has email changed things? The history of letter and email communication in the 19th and 20th centuries shows how closely materials, technology, and communication culture are intertwined: from paper, stamps, and postal routes to input forms, servers, and digital archives. Historical letter formats and early email exchanges […]
Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube shape our everyday lives. With every video and every “like,” these platforms collect data and create a personalized “digital meal.” In this workshop, we’ll show you what data is stored about you and how you can access it. Using the online tool “My Digital Meal,” you can analyze […]
Deepfakes are synthetic media – usually video, audio or images – created with generative AI to imitate a real person, voice, scene or action. They can appear so convincing that they become difficult to distinguish from captured reality. How are deepfakes created and shared? How can they be detected? And what technical and societal impact […]
When one thinks of monastic music, Gregorian chants often come to mind. But monastic music did not end with the Middle Ages. This presentation sheds light on musical life in women’s monasteries during this century and the last. The Schola of the Institute of Musicology will perform specific works to accompany the lecture. In Switzerland […]
How can scientific ideas and concepts be made visible and easier to understand? The exhibition at extract presents more than 500 historical and contemporary teaching and research models from the scientific collections of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich – many of them on public display for the first time. Discover mathematical plaster models, […]
Over the past few decades, the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide has declined sharply. In 1990around 30% of the global population was living in extreme poverty. Today that figure has fallen to about10%. At the same time life expectancy has increased and access to education and healthcare has improved significantly. International cooperation […]
What belongs in an archive – and what does not? Who decides which documents, personal papers and historical testimonies should be preserved for future generations? And how can historical records lead to new insights? On this guided tour, you will gain insights into the work of the Archives of Contemporary History (AfZ), which collects, preserves […]
How many times have you asked Alexa, Siri, or ChatGPT the same question? No matter how often we repeat ourselves, today's AI assistants stay polite, patient, and helpful. But what if an AI became sarcastic, challenged your opinion or pointed out that you had already asked the same question three times? Meet Stanley, an experimental […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How can scientists observe objects that are far too small to see with the naked eye? And how does this help them develop new materials for medicine, technology and sustainability? On this interactive laboratory tour, you will discover how researchers in the Macromolecular Engineering Lab study the molecular world. Although molecules are tiny, only a […]
Today, modern medicine is capable of more than ever before: personalized therapies, artificial intelligence, and human research. But who decides what is permissible? Who protects patients? And how can the law enable medical innovation rather than merely restricting it? Using easy-to-understand examples, this book illustrates how medicine, law, and ethics work together to generate knowledge—and […]
We’re all familiar with the catchphrases: “Big Data is the new oil” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new engine”. Furthermore, AI is considered “our final invention” and heralds the “second machine age”. But what does that actually mean? Where are we headed? How will our society and our lives change? Concepts such as Society […]
How can scientific ideas and concepts be made visible and easier to understand? The exhibition at extract presents more than 500 historical and contemporary teaching and research models from the scientific collections of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich – many of them on public display for the first time. Discover mathematical plaster models, […]
How many times have you asked Alexa, Siri, or ChatGPT the same question? No matter how often we repeat ourselves, today's AI assistants stay polite, patient, and helpful. But what if an AI became sarcastic, challenged your opinion or pointed out that you had already asked the same question three times? Meet Stanley, an experimental […]
What happens when we use meditation to put ourselves into a special state of mind? Drawing on her own experience as a performance artist, Marina Abramović has developed a meditation method and converted a former school bus into a mobile exhibition space featuring a meditation capsule. Inside, visitors can step away from the fast pace […]
How do scientists transform an unknown plant into a potential future crop? Using orphan crops such as marama bean, an African legume, this talk follows the step-by-step process of building scientific knowledge: from the first field observations and questions, to studying germination, reproduction, and genetics, and finally developing tools for crop improvement. Discover how curiosity-driven […]
Modern medicine offers many possibilities. However, patients can only make informed decisions when they are well-informed. How much medical knowledge is needed to consent to—or refuse—a treatment? The focus is on the questions of what doctors must explain, what knowledge patients need to make effective decisions, and how informed consent, advance directives, and electronic health […]
Animal testing has made many medical advances possible—from cancer research to the treatment of brain disorders. At the same time, animal research in Switzerland faces intense pressure to justify its use. Historical milestones and current examples from the neurosciences clearly illustrate the role that animal models play in basic biomedical research. This lecture offers young […]
Welcome to a live panel show where research meets politics and inclusion is the main focus. Digital technologies are prevalent in higher education, from lecture recordings and accessibility tools to learning platforms, apps, and, yes, AI. While technology can open doors for students with disabilities, it also creates new challenges. In this show, guests from […]
