OPPORTUNITY: The European Researchers' Night is Approaching – 35 Institutions to Offer Exciting Programs

On September 27, 2024, the European Researchers' Night activities will take place across Latvia, offering a diverse program in 35 venues. During this annual event, every science enthusiast and interested person is invited to explore research more closely and understand its crucial role in the modern world. The activities are free of charge and suitable for the whole family. 

During the event, 35 scientific institutions, universities, and innovation and research centers will open their doors to the public. Visitors will be able to participate in a wide range of activities, including engaging experiments, workshops, tours of laboratories, science shows, quizzes, and more. This will be a unique opportunity to explore the world of science and find answers to many questions related to technologies, various fields of science, and significant studies.  

3 of 35 participants will be related to the space exploration. Take a look at the program offered by the space research institutions:

  1. UL Baldone Observatory
  2. The Space Knowledge Center
  3. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center

This year's theme, "Get to Know Your Researcher!", highlights the role of researchers as guides who help uncover the sometimes-complex world of science and inspire future careers in the field. Visitors will be able to meet researchers, learn about their daily work, learning about different branches of science. The goal of the European Researchers' Night is not only to expand public knowledge but also to promote scientific achievements and encourage STEM education, especially among young people, emphasizing the importance of science in everyday life and its potential in future career choices.   

Free events will be available in various Latvian cities, including Rīga, Jelgava, Ventspils, Valmiera, Salaspils, Cēsis, Liepāja, Daugavpils, and beyond, offering the broader public the opportunity to explore the world of science, regardless of age or interests. The European Researchers' Night experience will help everyone find their path in the maze of research and understand the importance of science in both global and local contexts. 

Profiles of all the scientific institutions participating in the European Researchers' Night, as well as an interactive map, can be found on the science communication platform created by the Ministry of Education and Science, "researchLatvia".  

To ensure the best experience, it is important to look at the program of the specific institution before attending and learn about the availability of activities, perhaps due to space and other factors, groups are organized at specific visiting times.