WFSC at Scientifica 2017

Our exhibit “Sustainable Nutrition with Bits and Bytes” was a hit at this year’s ETH/UZH Scientifica. The stand informed visitors of current research that can help consumers make more sustainable food choices.

by Jeanne Tomaszewski

The World Food System Center organized a public exhibit of food systems research at this year’s ETH/UZH Scientifica, 01-03 September. Our interactive exhibit “Sustainable Nutrition with Bits and Bytes” focused on the influx of data from information and communication technology in agriculture. From production in the field to our choices in the grocery market, digital technology is changing the food system.

Three components came together to showcase research along the entire food value chain:

  • ETH Zurich, Crop Science: How can drones accurately capture and monitor the state of crops? The public could use a thermal camera to see the thermal profiles of plants in different stages of drought stress. Such sensing methods can be used over fields to see which plants are in stress or in trials to select for crops that are more drought-resistant.
  • ETH Zurich, Sustainable Agroecosystems: How sustainable and “local” is cheese production? To illustrate how local two different Swiss cheeses  are, the public was asked to place inputs of cheese on maps (CH and world) and then guess how many “kilometers” are accumulated in the making of each cheese. The surprising answers were then revealed and the definition of a “local” product explained.
  • external pagePublicFarm - Nachhaltigkeit, Forschung, Dialog: What kind of information do we need to buy climate-friendly? The public was invited to buy the most “climate-friendly” snack (Klima-z’Nacht), in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide produced. Points were associated with each of the 25 products, and consumers found out how many total points they choose with their 5 products upon “checking-out” at the register.

Thanks to all the contributors for such a great exhibit!

ETH Scientifica

Scientifica is science outreach event put on by ETH and UZH every two years. A reported 30,000 visitors enjoyed the event this year, which had the theme “What Data Reveals.” Read more at ETH News

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