On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich transformed into an enchanting haven for plant enthusiasts, students, and innovators alike. The event promised an evening filled with curiosity, discovery and a deep dive into the fascinating world of plants, accompanied by cool beats from a DJ and a bar. 114 young people celebrated with us.
We could ask questions like why do leaves turn brown in the fall? How do plants know what season they are in and what does all this have to do with the summer solstice? At the Crowther Lab (ETH Zurich), the visitors could find out more about the seasonal changes in plants and their response to climate change. Bioelectricity is a method plants use to perceive and react to their environment. This otherwise invisible process has been measured and visualized in a spectacular way. At the stand of the Ueli Grossniklaus Lab (University of Zurich) one could also learn more about how flowers have developed an incredible variety of shapes, colors and patterns to attract pollinators. And furthermore, how humans were seduced by this and used genetic engineering to reshape the splendor of flowers. The Vorholt Lab (ETH Zurich) allowed the visitors dive into the world of the plant microbiome. How do bacteria live on plant leaves and promote plant health? Finally, at the workshop of the CreativeLabZ, participants could explore plant structures using the fascinating cyanotype process.
NACHTAKTIV is the Scientainment program for young people with many activities led by students and start-up, highlighting the intersection of science, art, and technology.
Special Thanks to:
The Botanical Garden at the University of Zurich, the Tom Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich, the Ueli Grossniklaus Lab at University of Zurich, , the Julia Vorholt Lab at ETH Zurich, Helvetia rockt, CreativeLabZ, Benjamin Daniel, Dr. Nick Desnoyer, Dominic Rebindaine, Yibiao Zou