For yet another year, IMDEA Energía has participated in the largest science outreach event held in Madrid, the Madrid Is Science Fair organized by the Madri+d Foundation at IFEMA Madrid. The 13th edition was held from March 7 to 9 and during these days hundreds of people visited the IMDEA Energía stand located in Hall 5.

More than 25 researchers from the different units that make up the Institute participated in the event, organizing various workshops and experiments aimed at students of all ages and the general public. We have also received the visit of the Minister of Education, Science and Universities Emilio Viciana and the Deputy Minister of Universities, Research and Science Ana Ramirez.

Thus, during the first day, researchers from the photoactivated processes and high temperature processes units performed activities such as ‘magic tricks’ based on pH solutions or CO2 generation to extinguish candles and other samples with which attendees learned more about the process of converting light into heat.

The second day was the turn of the electrochemical processes, electrical systems and biotechnological processes units. The research staff prepared small experiments based on the operation of batteries with electrolyte and dendrite workshops. In addition, we played a game to test our knowledge of renewable energies. For their part, scientists from the biotechnological processes unit were in charge of extracting DNA from fruits or explained how to inflate a balloon with yeast.

During the third day, researchers from the advanced porous materials unit generated oxygen through an exothermic reaction using soap or dyes, handled magnetic nanoparticles and taught with several examples the process of water decontamination; while the thermochemical processes area played games on recycling and presented the functioning of zeolites with structures.

This day we also had representation at the Marie Curie stand of the Community of Madrid.