Microbes for All Ages: Adrian Egli’s Outreach from Kids to Seniors
From curious kids to engaged retirees, SSM member Adrian Egli has made it his mission to bring microbiology to the wider public through dynamic, age-spanning outreach. His presentations and workshops aim to demystify microbes, highlight the importance of genome sequencing, and foster a deeper understanding of how bacteria impact our health.
At the Kinderuniversität, Egli introduced children to microbiology with an engaging lecture titled “Why Do Bacteria Make Us Sick?” and led hands-on workshops exploring the microbiome. These sessions even included real-time DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology, giving young participants an exciting peek into modern genomics.
For adults, Egli delivered accessible lectures on the microbiome as part of both the Science City public lecture series and the Seniorenuniversität—demonstrating that it’s never too early or too late to connect with science.
During the Tag der offenen Tür (Open House Day), Egli oƯered guided lab tours, giving visitors an inside look at ongoing research and the daily work of microbiologists. These eƯorts not only educate but also build trust and enthusiasm for science within the community. From interactive sequencing with schoolkids to thought-provoking discussions with seniors, Adrian Egli’s outreach exemplifies inclusive, lifelong science learning—making microbes relatable and relevant to all.
