Exciting Programme for European Researchers’ Night
This year’s European Researchers’ Night is set to take place in Nicosia on Friday, September 26, offering a full-day programme of scientific and technological activities for audiences in Cyprus.
- This year’s European Researchers’ Night is set to take place in Nicosia on Friday, September 26, offering a full-day programme of scientific and technological activities for audiences in Cyprus.
Event Details
The event will be held at the state fair grounds in Nicosia from 08:30 to 22:00. Organised by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) for the 19th consecutive year, it collaborates with leading research, innovation, and business organisations in Cyprus.
A European Initiative
As part of a wider initiative by the European Commission, the European Researchers’ Night occurs simultaneously in over 25 countries and 460 cities across Europe and beyond. The aim is to promote a culture of research, strengthen the connection between science and society, and showcase research activities from universities, centres of excellence, and innovative businesses.
This Year’s Central Theme
The central theme for this year is “Mission Possible – The Sequel.” This theme focuses on five European Union Missions that address critical issues such as climate change adaptation, cancer research, maintaining healthy oceans, developing climate-neutral smart cities, and ensuring soil and food quality.
Booths and Interactive Activities
Visitors can explore more than 70 booths featuring scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The event will include interactive experiments, simulations, presentations, and the opportunity to use specialised scientific equipment. The diverse programme blends learning with fun, ensuring an engaging experience for all attendees.
Innovative Features
In a unique twist, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with holograms of famous scientists from history. These holograms will respond to questions and comments in real time, creating a fascinating and immersive experience.
Competitions for Students
This year’s festivities will also feature two student competitions: the Design Thinking Challenge and Science Unfold. The Design Thinking Challenge targets students aged 16 and above, including university students, encouraging them to embrace innovative approaches to problem-solving.
The Science Unfold competition invites secondary school students to showcase their creativity and communication skills by presenting a scientific topic of their choice. Both competitions aim to foster a passion for science among young people.
Awards Ceremony and Entertainment
The programme will culminate in an awards ceremony for the student competitions, taking place at 19:00, alongside an award for the best booth. Following the ceremony, attendees can enjoy a stand-up science performance called “Science Rap Battle” by Science Reactors, promising to entertain while educating.
Official Endorsement
The event is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, highlighting its significance on a national level. It aims to inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Further Information
For those interested in attending, more information can be found on the European Researchers’ Night website and the RIF Facebook page. The event is funded by the European Commission under the project “Mission Possible: Researchers on Board for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
