imd in switzerland

Meet the Microbes - an outdoor event organied by PhD students

When: 17 September

Time: 13:30 - 18:00

Where: Faculty of Science - Unimail / Rue Emile Argand 11, CH-2000

To celebrate IMD, we propose an interactive open-door event at the University of Neuchâtel built around three themes: Little Helpers, Little Factories, and Little Enemies. Through hands-on activities, PhD students engage the public, highlighting microorganisms’ beneficial, industrial, and ecological roles, including biocontrol, while strengthening science communication and societal awareness.

This activity consists of designing and implementing a public outreach event on microbiology at the University of Neuchâtel. The event will be open to a broad audience and organized around three central themes selected by students: “Little Helpers,” “Little Factories,” and “Little Enemies.” These themes provide an accessible framework to present microorganisms as beneficial partners, powerful tools in biotechnology, and complex actors in health and environmental interactions, including both pathogens and biocontrol agents.

Students will work collaboratively in interdisciplinary groups to develop interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and communication strategies adapted to non-specialist audiences. The activity integrates training in science communication with hands-on event planning, allowing participants to gain experience in translating scientific knowledge into engaging public experiences. The event will serve both as a learning platform for students and as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between science and society, highlighting the relevance of microbiology in everyday life.

Programme of the day

13:30-15:30 Visits by schools

16:00-18:00 Visits by the public