Insights into 75 years of Eawag Research

History Corner in the library

Following Empa and WSL (both 125 years), now Eawag itself is celebrating a milestone anniversary – its 75th. What began in 1936 as the «Beratungsstelle der ETH für Abwasserreinigung und Trinkwasserversorgung» with just three employees has long since become a national center of excellence for water with an international presence. Today Eawag’s facilities in Dübendorf and Kastanienbaum house 450 people who are occupied with research, teaching and consulting related to water; 100 of these are doctoral candidates. An anniversary brochure has already appeared in three languages, which is available in the library, can be found at www.eawag.ch/75jahre or can be ordered at @email. A History Corner in the library Lib4RI in Forum Chriesbach allows interactive insights into earlier Eawag history (concept and realisation: Andri Bryner and Stephanie Hofmann). Among other things, historical films, preserved fish, algae specimens and medium-format slides which were used in lectures can all be seen there. Moreover, «highlights» of Eawag publications are exhibited such as, for example, those from former directors of the institute. These small glances into the past are being continually added to – it is therefore worth having a look the next time you drop by to borrow a book.

Roadshows and Anniversary Information Day

As a «birthday present» for the public, Eawag has also organized a series of lectures which is aimed at professional and other associations which deal with water-related issues. Lectures given by Eawag scientists on over 40 topics, from water and agriculture to climate change and biodiversity, can be booked on request. Finally, on 22 June 2011 there will be an Eawag anniversary information day with the title: «Healthy water – a balancing act between man and environment» www.eawag.ch/infotag.