Successful Participation of ClimEx-PE Project in Researchers’ Night 2024, Hungary

The ClimEx-PE project proudly participated in the Researchers’ Night, Hungary, 27 September 2024, showcasing four engaging events that highlighted our commitment to climate research and education. The events attracted a diverse audience from Hungary, demonstrating the widespread interest in our work. 

1. The Invisible World of Groundwater: Interactive Experiments 

This event was primarily aimed at younger children and elementary school students, providing them with an opportunity to learn about groundwater, its importance, and its role in the water cycle. Through engaging and hands-on experiments, participants discovered the hidden world beneath our feet and understood how groundwater supports ecosystems and human activities. The session was led by ELTE’s hydrogeologist researchers and students, who provided insightful demonstrations and made the learning experience both fun and educational. 

Part of the hydrogeology team at the Researchers' Night 2024

2. Transdisciplinary Climate Research and Education at ELTE 

In this session, Andrea Velich discussed the innovative approaches to climate research and education at ELTE. The presentation highlighted the importance of integrating various disciplines to effectively address climate challenges. Attendees learned about the collaborative efforts between different fields of study, such as environmental science, sociology, and economics, to develop comprehensive solutions to climate issues. Andrea Velich emphasized the need for a holistic approach to climate education, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional boundaries and consider the interconnectedness of various factors influencing climate change. She was quoting best practice examples like CHARM EU Masters for Global Sustainability university alliance Capstone transdisciplinary thesis-research practices on water management (among others) and innovation, and HORIZON-funded international climate research collaborations like ClimEx-PE. 

3. Combating Drought: Utilizing Rainwater Harvesting Systems 

This event featured the premiere of a short film that explored practical solutions for combating drought, focusing on the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems on rooftops. The film provided valuable insights into how these systems can help mitigate the effects of drought and contribute to water conservation. 

The film featured Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, the scientific coordinator of ClimEx-PE, and Soma Oláh, a young researcher from ELTE’s hydrogeology group. Following the premiere, a discussion session was held where the audience could ask questions. In addition to the film’s participants, Márk Szijártó, a geophysicist and hydrogeologist, facilitated the film screening, and also took part in the Q&A session. They provided further insights and answered questions from the audience. 

The short film was initially made publicly available in Hungarian, with English subtitles to be added later to spread its message internationally. 

4. Solving Drought Issues Beneath Our Feet: Discovering the Path of Groundwater 

This event aimed to educate participants about the critical role of groundwater flow systems in addressing drought issues. The presentation included a video demonstration that showcased a physical model, illustrating its construction and the principles of groundwater flow systems. The video also demonstrated the core concept of the ClimEx-PE project, focusing on the Nature-based Managed Aquifer Recharge (NaBa-MAR®) system. The presentation was delivered by Judit Mádl-Szőnyi. 

Following the presentation, there was a Q&A session where attendees could ask questions. The researchers provided detailed explanations and insights into the innovative water management techniques demonstrated in the video. The discussion was enriched by the contributions of those involved in the creation of the physical model: Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, Brigitta Czauner, Márk Szijártó, Soma Oláh, Ildikó Erhardt, Imola Koszta, and Miklós Vincze.  

Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, while presenting

The program was a resounding success, achieving its goals of raising awareness and educating the public about climate issues and providing solutions. The events were well-received, with attendees coming from various regions across the country. We extend our gratitude to all the speakers and demonstrators who made these events possible.