On 26 June 2026, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences will host the SophiA 2026 World Refrigeration Day with an exciting afternoon of discovery, hands-on experiments and interactive activities for children, young people, families and everyone interested in science, technology and sustainability.

The event is organized by the core coordination team of the European SophiA project, bringing together the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST).

The event will be opened by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Michael Kauffeld, Coordinator of the SophiA project and Professor at HKA, together with Dr. Yosr Allouche, Director General of IIR. Dr. Allouche made history as the first woman and the first non-French national to lead the IIR. The welcome programme will also feature Prof. André Podleisek, OST Sustainability Officer and Professor for Sustainability and Quality in Industry at OST, who will introduce OST and highlight how OST contributes to addressing global challenges through applied research, education and collaboration with industry and international partners.

In addition, researchers from the Institute for Energy Systems (IES), the Institute for Solar Technology (SPF) and other institutes of the OST Smart Energy Lab will present selected research activities through a poster exhibition. The showcased projects will cover topics such as refrigeration, heat pumps, sustainable cooling, solar energy, thermal energy storage, sector coupling and energy efficiency, demonstrating how interdisciplinary research at OST contributes to the development of innovative and climate-friendly energy solutions for Switzerland and beyond.

From Switzerland to Africa

The event will also showcase the achievements of the SophiA project, which recently received the FUTUR Foundation Special Award 2026 and the OST Best Sustainability Effort Award 2026. These awards acknowledge the project’s successful development and implementation of sustainable energy, cooling, water and healthcare solutions for remote communities in Africa, as well as its contribution to translating research and innovation into real-world impact.

Visitors can look forward to a unique combination of science, technology and fun, including the iconic Globi Energy Show, interactive experiments, the Cool Energy Competition award ceremony and a hands-on workshop exploring the science of cooling through ice cream, freezing and other fascinating demonstrations. A special highlight of the afternoon will be an inspiring talk by Prof. Michael Kauffeld, “Keeping Cool in a Warming World”. Dr. Kauffeld will take participants on a fascinating journey through the history of refrigeration—from the first cooling systems and the ozone hole to today’s challenges related to climate change and PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”). The talk will explore how innovative cooling technologies can help protect both people and the planet.

Discover the Fascinating World of Cooling

Refrigeration is essential to modern life. It helps preserve food, protect medicines and vaccines, support healthcare, reduce food waste and improve living conditions worldwide. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors will discover how cooling technologies contribute to a more sustainable future.

OST has been contributing to the advancement of refrigeration and sustainable cooling through projects such as SophiA, as well as research on natural refrigerants (EU project TRI-HP), solar-powered cooling, thermal energy storage, heat pumps, and PFAS-free materials. These activities help develop climate-friendly cooling solutions that reduce environmental impacts while improving people’s lives.

The event will also showcase how innovative cooling and renewable-energy technologies developed within SophiA are helping healthcare facilities in Africa provide reliable refrigeration for medicines and vaccines, safe drinking water, sterilisation services and sustainable energy supply.