‘European Researchers’ Night’: science reaches over a million people in 40 countries

On 25 September 2026, European Researchers’ Night — Europe’s largest event for scientific communication and outreach — will once again highlight the diversity and importance of European research and innovation. The event, which will take place in 40 countries, is expected to welcome over a million visitors of all ages to museums, universities, research institutions and other venues, where they will be able to meet researchers and experience science first-hand.

Visitors will be able to explore the world of science through science shows, hands-on experiments, games, competitions, exhibitions, debates and digital activities. Researchers from a wide range of disciplines will open the doors of their laboratories and universities so that members of the public can ask questions, learn about discoveries and innovations, and see how research is developing new solutions to tackle today’s societal challenges.

In addition, throughout the year, the organisers of European Researchers’ Night run activities known as ‘Researchers in Schools’. These activities bring researchers into schools and pupils into research environments, enabling young people to see first-hand how their studies can be applied later in life to develop innovative ideas. Formats include presentations, debates, citizen science activities, science exhibitions, summer schools, nature walks and visits to research facilities. By fostering direct interactions between researchers, teachers and pupils, the initiative helps to make science more accessible to the public. It also aims to encourage young people to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) and to consider a career in research or the scientific field. Together, these two flagship initiatives bring research and researchers closer to society, strengthen the dialogue between science and the public, and inspire the next generation to discover the role that research and innovation can play in shaping Europe’s future.

The European Researchers’ Night andResearchers in Schools are initiatives funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which form part of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme.  Their main aim is to bring research and researchers closer to the general public, with a particular focus on families, pupils and students, and to raise awareness of research and innovation and the role of researchers in society.

European Researchers’ Night is held every year on the last Friday in September. Since 2022, the organisers of European Researchers’ Night have also been running ‘Researchers in Schools’ activities throughout the year, strengthening the link between research institutions and schools. 

In 2026 and 2027, the European Commission will support 49 projects with €16.3 million toorganise two consecutive editions of the European Researchers’ Night and carry out ‘Researchers in Schools’ activities in 40 countries across Europe and beyond.

The 2026 edition also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Over the last three decades, the programme has supported more than 150,000 researchers at all stages of their careers, from early-stage PhD students to experienced postdoctoral researchers and research managers, and has involved 23 Nobel Laureates as grantholders, supervisors or project coordinators. 

 

More information: European Commission