Eawag Annual Report 2021

EDITORIAL
5
Eawag
As researchers, we accept the need to deal with uncertainty. We recognise that science is always imperfect,
and that, as our understanding evolves, we should adapt our decisions and plans. In early March 2020, Eawag
instituted a volunteer programme to disinfect surfaces, such as doorknobs and banisters, in our buildings. Now
we realise that such “high-touch” surfaces carry low viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 and are unlikely to lead to infection
with Covid-19 (p. 8). Although the earlier decision may not have protected our health, it was made with the best
available knowledge at the time. Eawag promotes evidence-based decision-making, but we recognise that some
decisions must be made even as the evidence base is being developed.
Our capacity to acquire data is expanding rapidly, as is the resolution – in both space and time – of the data we
collect. The abundance of data – e.g. plankton images from an underwater camera (p. 12), noble gas concentrations
in groundwater (p. 15), fish genetics (p. 16) or chemical concentrations from a mobile mass spectrometer
(p. 17) – poses huge challenges for data management and interpretation. Machine learning methods (p. 12) help
to meet the challenge of transforming data into usable information. Through Eawag’s platforms for open research
data (ERIC) and open access to publications (DORA), we support the principle of making research results freely
accessible (p. 9).
Some of our research is documenting changes. Tracking the formation of new lakes in the Swiss Alps shows a
rapid increase in lake formation between 2006 and 2016 (p. 13). These new lakes offer opportunities for hydropower
but also pose flood risks. The changes in lake formation are themselves a sign of global climate change.
Change occurs not only in natural systems, but also in social systems. A new methodological framework illustrates
the level of support for established and novel technologies among wastewater professionals and experts (p. 18);
over the past 25 years, the acceptance of modular wastewater treatment systems has increased substantially.
Change also occurs in how scientific work is conducted; citizen science plays an increasing role and was instrumental
in identifying a new amphipod species (p. 14).
Eawag itself is constantly undergoing change, with the natural turnover in our staff. All of these changes challenge
us to seek out the new opportunities that change brings, and to deal appropriately with uncertainty as we move
forward.
Janet Hering
Eawag Director