Bridging knowledge gaps: An organizational capability necessary for research institutes in the water sector

Abstract

Research organizations struggle to bridge knowledge gaps between researchers and practitioners due to misaligned goals, siloed specializations, and under-resourcing. Individual efforts exist but often lack organizational support. Since mid-2023, Eawag’s Sandec department has piloted a "knowledge broker" role to bridge this gap. Using the dynamic capability framework (sensing/seizing/transforming), I will present how this role is impacting the department. Key activities include co-creating and disseminating diverse knowledge products (briefs, blogs, social media) for WASH practitioners. Results for Mar 2024-25 show that developed content received 1) over 1.3 million views, from professionals working in NGOs, governments, and research industries, 2) over 20,000 engagements and feedback, and 3) significant leads. The broker established new sensing (audience/channels), seizing (co-creation processes), and transforming (embedding in workflows) mechanisms in the department. Challenges remain in improving collaboration, scaling the role organization-wide, and sustaining the impact of dissemination.

About

Dr George Wainaina is a research group leader at Eawag, leading research on climate adaptation for water organizations. He has a PhD (Utrecht) in urban sustainability transitions and innovations management and is an expert in translating WASH science to practice. He has previously managed multiple development projects and published on basic service provision, institutional change & water security.

Educational Outreach: Building Long-Term Engagement for a Robust and Inclusive STEM Future

Joint between:

• Dr Farnaz Moser, Science Outreach Department
• Dr Sabrina Rami, Education Outreach Department

Abstract

Switzerland’s capacity for innovation, resilience and democratic engagement relies on broad scientific literacy and a strong pipeline of future STEM professionals. As science and technology increasingly influence societal choices, academic institutions must take an active role in fostering inclusive access and motivation for STEM education from an early age.

EPFL leads a broad spectrum of outreach programs across Switzerland, engaging youth at multiple educational stages. This talk presents EPFL’s strategic approach to STEM outreach—emphasizing long-term engagement, diversity of formats, and regional anchoring—to help build an inclusive and future-ready STEM ecosystem

About

As Director of the Science Outreach Department of EPFL, Dr Farnaz Moser contributes to the development of institutional strategies on equal opportunities and the promotion of science and technology among young people and the general public. Her expertise includes designing programs such as STEM for Girls and Science Interests Me!, establishing strategic and financial partnerships, and managing interdisciplinary teams.

Educational Outreach: Building Long-Term Engagement for a Robust and Inclusive STEM Future

Joint between:

• Dr Farnaz Moser, Science Outreach Department
• Dr Sabrina Rami, Education Outreach Department

Abstract

Switzerland’s capacity for innovation, resilience and democratic engagement relies on broad scientific literacy and a strong pipeline of future STEM professionals. As science and technology increasingly influence societal choices, academic institutions must take an active role in fostering inclusive access and motivation for STEM education from an early age.

EPFL leads a broad spectrum of outreach programs across Switzerland, engaging youth at multiple educational stages. This talk presents EPFL’s strategic approach to STEM outreach—emphasizing long-term engagement, diversity of formats, and regional anchoring—to help build an inclusive and future-ready STEM ecosystem.

About

As Director of the Education Outreach Department, Dr Sabrina Rami is in charge of developing and implementing an overall and consistent Educational Program's Promotion strategy, (Bachelor, Master, PhD), aligned with the specificities and the recent developments in the Education landscape, and through targeted collaborations and partnerships at local, national and international level.

Facts-based Futures – From Science Communication to Dialogue Platforms

Abstract

Empa’s communication and outreach activities bridge facts and visions to foster a meaningful dialogue about pathways into the future. Through exhibitions, workshops, and stakeholder engagement, we empower our audiences to understand, imagine, and shape our shared future. Facts-based formats such as Emission Explorer at Verkehrshaus provide a solid foundation for decision-making, while experiences at NEST and activities around our flagship research initiative Mining the Atmosphere invite the public to explore circular and negative-emission futures. Likewise, we support younger generations by preparing them for challenges and inspiring perspectives on emerging technologies and careers.

About

Oliver Süess is communication project manager at Empa, making the ETH Domain's science accessible to broad audiences through interactive storytelling and digital media formats in the Joint Initiative Energy Science for Tomorrow (ES4T). With a background in multimedia production and event marketing, he previously developed B2C social media campaigns and managed major national events at SRF.

Engaging Society with Science: Experiences from “Cook the Science”

Abstract

“Cook the Science” is a public outreach project at ETH Zurich which aims to communicate science to the public in a fresh, engaging, and relatable way. By using cooking as a universal language, the project transforms complex concepts into tangible aspects of everyday life that spark curiosity and dialogue. This approach not only demystifies science, but it also builds trust, enables exchange with diverse audiences, and strengthens the connection between academia and society. In this presentation, I will share why “Cook the Science” has resonated so strongly with the public. I will preset some reflections on engaging effectively with society through scientific concepts as experienced through “Cook the Science” and highlight strategies for how we could make science more accessible to the public moving forward.

About

Originally from Lugano, Thomas studied physics and mathematics at ETH Zurich and earned a PhD in Biophysical Chemistry at Cambridge. After posts at Harvard and UCL, he returned to ETH in 2022 as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. Passionate about teaching, he started new initiatives at the interface of physics and biology and in October 2024 launched “Cook the Science”, a public lecture series merging cooking and science for public outreach.

From ‘sciencephiles’ to ‘passive supporters’: What different attitudes towards science mean for public outreach

Abstract

WSL's public outreach activities are based on the public's attitudes towards science (according to the ‘Science Barometer’*). This distinguishes between whether people are interested in science or not and whether they have a positive or negative attitude towards it. This segmentation results in very different needs, which means that a wide range of communication tools and measures are necessary to reach, if not the entire population, then at least large sections of it. In the presentation, I will introduce the model and its practical implications.

*https://wissenschaftsbarometer.ch

About

Birgit studied environmental sciences at ETH Zurich, where she discovered her passion for research – and communication. She has been working as a science communicator at WSL since 2001 and has been head of the department for around 15 years. She is now also a member of the WSL Directorate.

Dialogue with Society as a Strategic Task at PSI

Abstract

Engaging in dialogue with society is a core element of the Paul Scherrer Institute’s mission within the ETH Domain. As Switzerland’s largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences, PSI not only advances cutting-edge research in energy, matter, and health, but also ensures its work is accessible and relevant to the public. This talk outlines PSI’s activities to foster exchange with diverse audiences—from schools and the interested public to policymakers and industry. By sharing examples of outreach, co-creation, and participatory dialogue, it highlights opportunities and challenges in building trust, addressing concerns, and strengthening the role of science in democratic decision-making.

About

Martina Gröschl holds a degree in Mathematics and in Science Communication. She is Deputy Head of Communications and Head of Cross Media Publishing at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. Since 2012 she has combined expertise in research infrastructures with science communication, shaping PSI’s strategic dialogue with society. As a former science journalist, she integrates the importance of research for society from the perspective of the public as well as from the perspective of science.