IMDEA Water is once again taking part in the 26th Madrid Science and Innovation Week, one of Spain’s leading science outreach events, with a programme of free activities aimed at both students and the general public. Coordinated by the madri+d Foundation, this initiative seeks to inspire STEM vocations among younger generations and demonstrate how research helps address some of the major environmental, technological and societal challenges of our time.

Workshops for Students at IMDEA Water

Under the theme “Discover Water Science: Challenges, Technologies and Solutions for a Sustainable Future“, secondary school, high school and vocational training students will take part in six interactive workshops showcasing how science helps us understand and tackle issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, environmental health and the sustainable management of water resources.

The activity will take place on 18 November, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at IMDEA Water’s facilities.

Visit to a Unique Facility for More Resilient Cities

IMDEA Water will also organise a visit to the Canal de Isabel II Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), a pioneering facility in Europe capable of simulating rainfall and runoff events to evaluate different sustainable urban drainage solutions.

This facility contributes to the design of more resilient cities by promoting rainwater infiltration and treatment, reducing flood risks and minimising discharges into natural water bodies.

The visit will take place on 24 November, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants may travel to the centre, located in Meco, using their own means of transport or take advantage of a free shuttle bus service departing from and returning to Madrid.

Registration will open on Monday, 19 October at 9:00 a.m. via www.semanacienciamadrid.org. All activities are free of charge, but places are limited.

Six Workshops to Discover Water Science

• Aquatic Life Facing Environmental Challenges
  Participants will learn how aquatic organisms can be used to assess ecosystem health and detect the impacts of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Electroactive Bacteria for Monitoring Water Quality in Remote Environments
  This workshop will demonstrate how certain bacteria generate electrical signals that can be used to develop biosensors capable of continuously monitoring water quality.
• Exploring Membranes and Microcontaminants: Science and Sustainability
  Students will discover membrane technologies for water treatment, as well as the environmental challenges posed by micro- and nanoplastics and other emerging contaminants.
• Governing Water: Making Decisions to Farm Without Depleting Resources
  Through a participatory activity, attendees will explore how agricultural practices, consumption patterns and regulations influence water availability and ecosystem sustainability.
• Who’s Who? Identifying the Bacteria that Reveal Water Quality
  Participants will learn basic microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture methods, Gram staining and microscopic observation.
• Beyond What We Can See: Contaminants of Emerging Concern
  This workshop will focus on microplastics, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other emerging contaminants, as well as the scientific tools used to study them.