The "ITETtunnel", set up at Zürich Main Station was the starting point. It had already attracted lots of attention at the weekend following the birthday party, before being transferred to Platzspitz Park and set up there. Inside, packed into a relatively small space, the visitor finds a wealth of information from the Information Technology Department (D-ITET) on the theme "People Image Network", offering popular insights into the world of information technology.

The tube first graced "Worlds of Knowledge" before being moved to Platzspitz Park. large

Here researchers present their work and expertise, which already impact upon our everyday lives in a wide range of areas. Biomedical technology, mobile communication and wireless internet connections, wearable computing, and energy technology are the four main themes that the visitor may explore here.

Visitors don’t just get to look, but can try things out for themselves to gain a better understanding. large

Are rays dangerous?

The tunnel is a placewhere visitors may, for example, want to discuss a "hot" question with the researchers present: "Are electromagnetic rays dangerous or not?" In the exhibition the researchers attempt to confront fears with facts: the effect of the use of mobile phones on living cells is being researched, and it is shown what producers can already do in the development phase of an apparatus to keep within legal limits. Under the title "Communication in the Net", visitors so inclined can seek their dream partner via BlueDating, while others can decrypt messages or follow the rapid spread of a virus. Biomedical technology also represents an important part of the research carried out in the Department of Information Technology. The goal here is to develop or improve aids to diagnostics, surgical procedures and rehabilitation programmes. An example of the latter is, a moving robot developed to aid the rehabilitation of stroke victims or paraplegics.

Realising a dream

The Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering chose as its exhibition theme "Machines, Energy, Production". For thousands of years human beings have dreamt of a machine that moves by itself. Initial attempts were to construct a perpetuum mobile; today's engineers are concerned with intelligent systems, robots and virtual worlds. The department sets out this development. In an open-to-all competition, school classes, ETH staff and students and others were encouraged to submit proposals for the construction of a perpetuum mobile. The best contributions are presented a prize awarded on 2nd May in the presence of the winner. In a purpose-built room a 3-D packaging installation is presented, where visitors can walk and work the controls themselves.

Tracking down solar spots: an exciting, intuitive contribution showing how science can be experienced. large

45 projects from four areas

Most of the available space is devoted to the three thematic areas making up "Earth, Fire, Water and Air", involving 45 research projects from four scientific fields. Simulation programmes render visible changes in the landscape. Former earthquakes in Switzerland's lakes are detected using core drills, and the world's oldest still-extant forms of life show how the air that we breathe came to be. Cult artist Mike van Audenhove, shows how mountains are born, while researchers simulate an avalanche of rocks or a flood using scale models of natural catastrophes. With no danger to themselves - and partly in 3D -visitors can experience an earthquake and learn how the collapse of a mountain can generate a tsunami; how earthquake hotspots can be pinpointed; or where in Switzerland earthquakes pose a threat and what the consequences could be to buildings and installations.

The models, the descriptions and researchers’ response to visitors’ questions define the quality of the exhibition. large

The ETH began investigating solar activity almost 150 years ago. Counting the black spots that appear on the surface of the sun is involved,and visitors to the exhibition are also invited to count them. According to the involved researchers this is the most hands-on exciting corner of the exhibition: visitors can test water quality, discover river microorganisms, classify fish and experience modern water technology at first hand. They also learn that in Africa there are lakes that can explode, due to volcanic and biological gases that accumulate unnoticed and then suddenly cause water to froth like a shaken bottle of mineralwater. If researchers succeed in setting up an exhaust pipe in the right place these gases can be used as a source of energy.

Apropos exhaust, especially for the exhibition Zurich's tram no. 11 will be sniffing the wind: an air-measuring device has been installed on its roof which transmits the measured data directly to the the exhibition. Visitors can see in a most immediate way how a traffic jam or the rush hour affects air quality.

Equipped to answer any questions: researchers interacting with the public. large

Five themes

The exhibition covers over 3,300 square metres and is divided into five main themes: "Earth, Fire, Water and Air", "People Image Networks", "Machines, Energy, Production", "Pipe Dream, Building Culture" and "Books, Data, and Knowledge". These are supplemented by talks between TV and radio moderators and scientists open to all interested, as well as programmes for children and teenagers. Numerous small pavilions have been set up between Platzspitz Park and Lake Zurich where professors seekdialogue with the general public. In this 2-week exhibition the ETH is offering a great and unique opportunity, well worth taking advantage of.

It's impossible to see everything the exhibition has to offer in a single day. Until 8th May visitors can come again and again and discover something new at each visit. large