Panic in the Lab! A day full of science at Zpannend Zernike

What happens when a laboratory suddenly loses track of its samples? You call in a team of young scientists to solve the mystery, of course!

On Sunday, 4 October, the SUGAR Lab participated in Zpannend Zernike 2026, part of the Dutch Weekend of Science. This year, we transformed our activities into an interactive scientific adventure: Paniek in het Lab! – De Molecuul Missie. Our young visitors were challenged to investigate four mysterious samples using different analytical techniques. Along the way, they discovered how proteins can be broken down into smaller pieces, how chromatography separates mixtures, how sugars determine blood group characteristics, and how molecular information can help us distinguish between biological samples.

The activities were designed to let children experience what analytical scientists actually do: observe, experiment, compare results, and solve problems. And what a wonderful experience it was! Seeing the curiosity, enthusiasm, and creative thinking of our young visitors reminded us why sharing science beyond the university is so valuable. A big thank you to everyone from the SUGAR Lab who helped prepare and run the activities, and to the organizers of Zpannend Zernike for making this event possible.

Who knows? Perhaps we met some future analytical chemists!

Curious to the activities we explored with the childeren? Check out our Outreach page for more information!