The RESTART project was proud to join forces with the DCU Water Institute at DCU Culture Night 2025, bringing water science and innovation to the wider community. Despite the wet weather, the evening was a great success, with around 1,800 visitors engaging with hands-on demonstrations that highlighted both the challenges of water quality and the solutions being developed at DCU.

RESTART Demonstrations

Three of the four demonstrations presented on the night reflected technologies and approaches central to RESTART’s mission of advancing water quality monitoring:

• YSI EXO Multiparameter Sonde: Visitors explored how this commercial sensor uses optical and electrochemical technology to measure pigments such as chlorophyll and phycoerythrin, key indicators of algal blooms. It also measures conductivity, offering insights into whether water is fresh or saline.
• Nitrate and Phosphate Analysis: Guests analysed water samples themselves, using colour changes to reveal nutrient levels. This interactive activity showed how nutrient pollution can drive algal growth and opened conversations about agriculture, wastewater, and water protection.
• ColiSense – Rapid Detection of E. coli: A highlight of the evening, ColiSense is a rapid microbial sensor that detects E. coli, a key indicator of faecal contamination. Unlike traditional tests that take 18 to 72 hours, ColiSense provides results in as little as 30 minutes. Visitors were impressed by its potential to transform water safety by delivering faster results for communities and regulators.

Highlighting the Broader Institute

Alongside RESTART’s demonstrations, the DCU Water Institute shared its ecological expertise with a fourth demo featuring Daphnia, microscopic freshwater organisms often called “water fleas.” Children especially enjoyed watching them swim in their tank, while visitors were captivated by seeing their transparent bodies under the microscope. Daphnia act as indicator organisms, reacting to pollutants long before larger species, and their study highlights the Institute’s research into the ecological effects of microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants.

Collaboration in Action

Cultural Night 2025 showed the strength of collaboration between RESTART and the DCU Water Institute. Together, the teams demonstrated how cutting-edge science at DCU not only addresses real-world water challenges but also inspires curiosity and awareness in the wider community.

As one visitor put it: “I was amazed that you could see a water flea’s stomach contents under the microscope. It really opened my eyes to how much life is hidden in a single drop of water.”

From rapid microbial sensors to tiny aquatic organisms, the message was clear: every drop of water tells a story, and through innovation and collaboration, we are finding better ways to protect it.