How do we protect one of our most precious resources - water?
According to students from ČZU, TU Dresden, and UJEP, it all starts with education, creativity, and hands-on learning.
At this year’s Student Challenge, international student teams were invited to design educational programs that help the public better understand:
- how we use water
- how pollution affects water
- how water quality can be measured
- and how we can better protect rivers and lakes
The challenge was to create a program that was not only scientifically accurate, but also engaging, accessible, and inspiring for different audiences - from children and families to students and adults.
After months of preparation, four outstanding teams made it to the final competition - and ČZU truly shined!
Photo 1. From left to right: Michael Hožďala and Adéla Ptáčníková (UJEP), Tabea Kottek and Aswathi Gopinath (ČZU), Victoria Zueva (ČZU).
ČZU Project 1: “From Pollution to Protection”
Ana Andjelkovic & Victoria Zueva (ČZU)
This project introduced a dynamic three-step educational program focused on Prague’s rivers and streams.
Participants would:
- explore the basics of freshwater ecosystems
- learn how scientists assess water quality
- compare natural and urban streams during a field trip
- reflect on their observations and share them through a citizen science platform
Designed mainly for students and adults, this program could also be adapted for younger audiences and offers a meaningful way to connect science with real-world environmental action.
Photo 2. Victoria Zueva presenting the project “From Pollution to Protection” (ČZU).
ČZU Project 2 - Winning Project: “Water Pollution and Protection - an Interactive Teaching Concept”
Tabea Kottek & Aswathi Gopinath (ČZU)
And the winner is… ČZU!
Tabea and Aswathi impressed the jury with a highly interactive educational concept designed for high school students. Their project combined science, creativity, and hands-on learning in a way that made complex environmental issues easy to understand - and fun to explore.
The program included:
- eye-opening facts about global freshwater availability
- experiments showing how pollution spreads in water
- activities on detecting invisible contamination
- discussions on how everyday habits impact water systems
- a “blind fish” experiment demonstrating how fish can mistake plastic for food
- and even a constructed wetland model showing how nature can help clean water naturally
The whole concept was engaging, practical, and highly relevant - a brilliant example of how environmental education can inspire action.
Photo 3. Tabea Kottek and Aswathi Gopinath presenting the project “Water Pollution and Protection” (ČZU).
Photo 4. Tabea Kottek presenting on one of the experiments of the project “Water Pollution and Protection” (ČZU).
Project 3: “Ecology and Revitalization of River Landscapes”
Adéla Ptáčníková & Michael Hožďala (UJEP)
This thoughtful project focused on the impact of human modifications to rivers and highlighted the importance of restoring natural river landscapes.
The team created two educational formats:
- Module A for university students, including lectures, fieldwork, and lab analysis
- Module B as a public event for families, seniors, and students
One especially charming detail? Children taking part in the public version could earn their very own “River Detective” certificate.
Photo 5. Adéla Ptáčníková and Michael Hožďala presenting the project “Ecology and Revitalization of River Landscapes” (UJEP).
Project 4: “Smart Photo-Fenton-Like Treatment of Antibiotic-Rich Hospital Wastewater”
Sepideh Mohammadi & Amin Garmroudi (TUD)
This innovative project focused on one of today’s major environmental challenges: antibiotics in hospital wastewater.
Participants learned about:
- where hospital wastewater comes from
- why antibiotic pollution matters
- how wastewater is treated today
- and how advanced treatment methods could make the process more efficient and sustainable
A highly relevant and future-oriented topic with strong scientific depth.
Photo 6. Sepideh Mohammadi presenting the project “Ecology and Revitalization of River Landscapes” (TUD).
A Well-Deserved ČZU Victory
All four teams delivered excellent and inspiring projects, and the final decision was incredibly close.
While the jury was making its choice, participants enjoyed a tour of the TU Dresden campus, before the big announcement finally came…
ČZU team Tabea Kottek & Aswathi Gopinath took first place!
Their project stood out for its creativity, educational value, and strong potential for real-world impact.
But beyond the results, the event was a wonderful reminder of what students can achieve when science, teamwork, and environmental responsibility come together.
We’re incredibly proud of all ČZU participants for representing the university with such enthusiasm, knowledge, and innovation!
Now we can only wait and see which of these amazing ideas will be brought to life!
Photo 7. Participants and members of committee.
Photo 8. Participants on site and online. From left to right: Michael Hožďala and Adéla Ptáčníková (UJEP), Tabea Kottek and Aswathi Gopinath (CZU), Victoria Zueva and Ana Andjelkovic (CZU).