European Researchers’ Night, Europe’s largest science engagement event open to all

Today (27 September), Europe is celebrating the European Researchers’ Night in universities and institutions across 25 countries. It is the largest science communication and engagement event in Europe. Every year over 1.5 million citizens of all ages explore researchers’ work through entertaining activities. The night ensures a unique experience through science shows, hands-on experiments, games, and competitions. An overview of all activities can be found online. 

The event showcases the diversity of European research and innovation, as well as the impact it can have on citizens’ daily lives. The public can discover projects from the preservation of local biodiversity unlocking new cancer cures to the unveiling of hidden secrets of fossils to better understand the Earth’s climate.  By shining a light on this valuable work, as well as the passion and dedication of the researchers behind it, young people get a unique chance to ask questions and explore research careers. 

Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, ahead of the event, said: “European Researchers’ Night offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading scientists and take a look behind the scenes of universities, research labs or museums. I especially hope this event will inspire young people to pursue careers in research and innovation. We need their creativity and innovation in Europe to address the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. It is this spirit of curiosity and discovery that we celebrate tonight.” In addition, European Researchers’ Night projects organize ‘Researchers at Schools’activities throughout the year and will reach out to more than 300,000 pupils by 2026.    

The European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schoolsare initiatives funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, part of the EU’s programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe. Visitors are invited to consult the organizers’ websites for more information on the activities taking place in their country.  

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