“P.L.O.U.F” 2026: A Water Awareness Day for More Than 200 Students

[Press Release] - Published on April 14, 2026 in the Press Room

The UNESCO ICIREWARD International Center and the University of Montpellier are organizing an awareness-raising event on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Kiasma in Castelnau-le-Lez for 220 students in grades CE2 through 5e from the Hérault department. As part of the “P.L.O.U.F.” program (a fun program for smart explorers) and World Water Day, these students will participate in various workshops focused on issues related to water resources and living organisms.

A Different Way to Learn About Water Issues

Faced with growing challenges related to water resources, the UNESCO ICIREWARD International Center continues its commitment to raising awareness among young audiences. With “P.L.O.U.F.,” it offers an educational approach based on experimentation, creativity, and interaction. Throughout the day, nearly 220 students will participate in 23 workshops combining scientific experiments, models, murals, and artistic creations. Guided by scientists, outreach organizations, and partners, they will be invited to explore issues related to water and living organisms in a hands-on and accessible way.

The 2026 edition features several new elements. Middle school students will be directly involved in the event by designing and leading their own workshops, thereby promoting the sharing of knowledge among peers. In addition, a unique artistic experience will be offered with the show “Lokili – Les Mondes de l’Eau,” a musical tale created during a residency at a research laboratory. Driven by a narrative accompanied by the harp, this project explores the connections between humans and their environment through a sensory immersion centered on water. In total, 18 outreach organizations, scientists, and partner companies will support this day, helping to make “P.L.O.U.F.” an event that is educational, participatory, and multidisciplinary.

The Center in a Nutshell

The UNESCO International Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Water Systems Dynamics (ICIREWARD) is the first and only UNESCO research and training center dedicated to inland water in France. Located in Montpellier, it ranks among the most important centers of its kind internationally. ICIREWARD brings together and strengthens collaboration among nearly 500 scientists and 180 doctoral students across 18 research laboratories. The Center’s scientific community thus forms a rich, multidisciplinary, and international network aimed at improving our understanding of water-related issues.  Its research areas combine hydrological, chemical, and biological sciences with the social sciences to provide comprehensive expertise in addressing water resource challenges: availability, quality, equitable distribution, and extreme events (floods, droughts). ICIREWARD works year-round with elementary and middle school students, high school students, college students, and the general public.