University of Zurich: Successful Scientifica 2021

As they browsed more than 60 exhibition stands, visitors had the chance to gain insights into current research projects, try out brand new technology and chat directly with the scientists.

The opportunity was taken up with enthusiasm: thousands visited the Zurich Science Days, organised jointly by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich for the seventh time. At a number of Science Cafés, researchers and the public discussed topics such as modern vaccines, animal testing and public education after Covid; in the workshops, visitors produced plant-based packaging materials themselves and took on the role of virtual animals.

The special activities on offer for families were also well received: besides a visit to the Soap Bubble Factory and a physics show about natural phenomena, children could also take part in a workshop on medicinal plants or test cutting-edge robots.

Organisers draw a positive conclusion
The fact that the event was able to draw in so many people – particularly children and young people – was a source of delight to the organisers: “Remaining in dialogue with an engaged, interested local population is essential for our universities – particularly at a time when rapidly developing crises challenge and accelerate our research and thus raise many social questions. Scientifica offers the ideal platform for this,” says Elisabeth Stark, Vice President Research at the University of Zurich.