Parte del personal de IMDEA Agua que participó en Madrid es Ciencia.

The 15th edition of Madrid es Ciencia has ended with resounding success. From March 19 to 21, nearly 30,000 people visited La Nave to experience the most important science outreach fair in the region and learn first-hand about the work carried out by research centers and institutions dedicated to science and innovation in the Community of Madrid.

Predoctoral researcher Carla Morales with Regional Minister Mercedes Zarzalejo and Deputy Director Raffaella Meffe.

IMDEA Water participated once again with several outreach activities aimed at the general public and educational groups. The fair was inaugurated by the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, accompanied by the Regional Minister for Education, Science and Universities, Mercedes Zarzalejo. Our Deputy Director, Raffaella Meffe, also took part in the ceremony.

Throughout the event, the IMDEA Water team offered several hands-on workshops that allowed visitors to explore current challenges and innovative solutions in the field of water resources:

The Hidden Life of Water

Visitors learned how the presence of microorganisms serves as an indicator of water quality and discovered the techniques used to analyse their antibiotic resistance through cultures and antibiograms.

Defenders of Water

This workshop showcased advanced filtration systems—such as membranes—designed to remove contaminants, including micro- and nanoplastics, as well as the methods used to identify them.

Biosensors and Biofactories

Participants explored how environmental biotechnology enables the monitoring of wastewater and its transformation into value-added products through the action of microorganisms and innovative biological processes.

Microplastics Under the Microscope

This activity explained the role of green filters as key tools for treating wastewater and improving associated ecosystems.

Predoctoral researcher Lesly Ayala explaining the green filters to a group of schoolchildren.

Water for Today… and Tomorrow?
Through a participatory activity, attendees became farmers for a day, experiencing how regulations, incentives and management strategies can promote the sustainable use of water among multiple users and ecosystems.
IMDEA Water would like to thank all the individuals, organizations and educational centers that visited our space. This event has been a unique opportunity to share knowledge, inspire scientific vocations and highlight the societal impact of water research.

We look forward to seeing you again in the 2027 edition!

Participating IMDEA Water Staff:

Abir Neji, Alicia Fuertes Sánchez, Ana García Arcos, Ana Jesús Vega de Armas, Ana Rubio López, Anna Salvian, Beatriz Gallego Fernández, Carla Morales Pujante, David Rivas Tabares, Diego Hermoso de Mendoza Santos, Elena Mora Cuesta, Esteban Sabroso de la Torre, Francesca Nonnoi, Gabriela Ágreda López, Giammauro Soriano, Guillermo Cabezas Torrero, Haniyeh Salmani, Isabel Domarco Sagra, Isabella de Baptistis, Junkal Landaburu Aguirre, Leire Besga Oyanarte, Lesly Ayala Cabana, Lorena Martínez García, María Ángeles Herrero Vieira, Mario Ballesteros Olza, Mario Márquez Rubio, Mihai Lomanar, Noureddine Bouzidi, Sara Mozo Pacheco, Serena Molina Martínez.

The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the Regional Minister for Education, Science and Universities, Mercedes Zarzalejo, together with IMDEA Institutes Directors and the ESA Astronaut Reserve member Sara García.