Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

The Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. 193 countries, including Switzerland, have adopted the 2015 Agenda. The 17 goals aim to advance sustainable development worldwide at the economic, social and environmental levels, put human dignity at the centre, protect the planet and promote peace and prosperity for all.

Eawag’s research enables progress towards attaining the 17 SDGs. First and foremost, our work naturally supports Goal 6: clean drinking water and sanitation. However, many research projects also contribute to Goals 2, 3, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

By clicking on the SDG, the goal is explained and projects are shown that contribute to achieving the goal.

Leaves are the main food source for amphipods and play a key role in the functioning of the ecosystem. (Photo: Florian Altermatt, Eawag)

January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026Aquatic ecosystems are fragile. But just how fragile they are has been revealed in a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Zurich. Researchers investigated how climate change is affecting amphipods by shifting the timing of leaf fall in autumn. These creatures feed on leaves and, as the base of the food chain, have an impact on the entire ecosystem.

Flea and tick repellents for pets are the most likely sources of fipronil in Swiss waterways. (Image: Canva / Csaba Deli)

January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026The insecticide fipronil has been detected in Swiss waterways in concentrations that are critical for aquatic life. It has not been permitted for use as a plant protection product for many years. A study involving Eawag now shows that the most likely source of contamination is flea and tick repellents for pets.