The Swiss Academies of Sciences presented the National Prize for Open Research Data yesterday evening, 27 November 2025. Two projects were honoured. One of them is www.alplakes.eawag.ch, an interactive online platform for monitoring and forecasting alpine lakes. Alplakes was developed by James Runnalls, software engineer at the aquatic research institute Eawag.

The award recognises researchers who excel in exemplary and innovative practices in the field of open research data (ORD). It is part of the National ORD Strategy and aims to drive change in science towards open research data.

Alplakes – Fascinating insights into the lakes of the Alpine region

The Alplakes platform, operated by the Eawag water research institute, provides easy-to-understand and scientifically sound information on more than 200 lakes in the Alpine region. It is aimed at interested citizens, as well as experts in the fields of research, administration and water management. ‘The platform aims to make Eawag's research results and data easily accessible to everyone. It is intended to raise awareness of the value and vulnerability of our lakes and to support informed decisions in lake management,’ says James Runnalls.

Alplakes presents current measurement data and model-based predictions in a clear format. Users can, for example, call up the water temperature at various depths over the next five days and observe the development of dynamic processes. The platform also impressively illustrates how climate change has already impacted Swiss lakes – for instance through rising water temperatures – and what developments can be expected in the coming decades.

Alplakes also enables virtual experiments: for example, it is possible to simulate how substances introduced into a lake spread and where they are transported to based on current circulation patterns. The platform thus provides valuable knowledge for both the general public and research and practice.