European Researchers’ Night 2026 will take place across Latvia on 25 September

Author
Latvijas Zinātnes padome/ ResearchLatvia

August 20, 2026

science communication

At European Researchers’ Night events, everyone will have the opportunity to get to know science more closely. In one evening, at more than 30 locations across Latvia, visitors will be able to meet researchers, get a glimpse into the everyday world of science, and take part in experiments, workshops, demonstrations, guided tours, and other free activities.

Divi zinātnieki baltos halātos ar mikroskopu pēta materiālus
Publicity image

This year, European Researchers’ Night will take place under the theme “Discover the Nature of Science!”, inviting everyone to notice just how diverse science is. It can be found far beyond laboratories – in the human body, technology, engineering, culture, music, space exploration, and nature itself. Science is connected to our everyday lives – from health and technology to the environment and the way we shape our future.

Latvian scientists are increasingly distinguishing themselves through ambitious research and significant achievements at the European and global level, and it is important to give everyone the opportunity to see how this work is carried out. That is why we particularly value the involvement of institutions and researchers in Researchers’ Night, opening the doors of their institutions and allowing everyone to get to know science more closely.

Researchers’ Night activities are planned in various locations across Latvia this year. In Riga, visitors will be welcomed by the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Rīga Stradiņš University, as well as several scientific institutes, higher education institutions, and science centres. Events will also take place in Cēsis, Daugavpils, Jelgava, Liepāja, Malnava, Priekuļi, Rēzekne, Stende, Valmiera, Ventspils, and elsewhere in Latvia.

The number of visitors to Researchers’ Night in Latvia continues to grow. In 2025, the event attracted around 29,650 visitors, reaching the highest attendance to date. In 2024, approximately 21,200 people attended Researchers’ Night.

A detailed programme for European Researchers’ Night 2026, along with information about participants and activities, is available on the Research Latvia science communication platform. The interactive map makes it possible to find event locations and learn about the planned activities, their times, target audiences, accessibility, and whether advance registration is required. The programme is still being updated.

European Researchers’ Night in Latvia is organised by the Latvian Council of Science and the Ministry of Education and Science’s communication platform Research Latvia in cooperation with Latvian educational institutions, research institutions, and organisations.

The communication activities of European Researchers’ Night 2026 are funded by the EU-funded project “More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvia’s Science Policy”.

Recommended articles

science communication

August Research Spotlight Ieva Leimane: Rethinking Land Use for Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity

As a Researcher and Project Manager at the Sustainability Research Unit of the Bioeconomy Department at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics (IARE), Mg. soc. sci. Ieva Leimane focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation on farmland, socio-economic …

researchLatvia

August 17, 2026

science communication

A scientist with a broad vision, international industry experience, and Latvia in her heart

Dr. Ing. Maira Indrikova is a scientist whose example can inspire any young researcher. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of the University of Latvia, Maira went to Kiel University in Germany, where, in cooperation with the technology and enginee…

researchLatvia

August 14, 2026

science science communication

From Knowledge to Impact – the Conference “Cultural Research for Future Choices” Will Highlight the Contribution of the Humanities and Arts to Society and Science

On 9 and 10 September 2026, Riga will host the closing conference “Cultural Research for Future Choices” of the Ministry of Culture’s State Research Programme project “Latvian Cultural Ecosystem as a Resource for National Resilience and Sustainability” / CERS, bringing together over two days everyo…

Latvian Academy of Culture

August 12, 2026

science communication

Discover Science with the Latvian Council of Science at the “Mērsraga ābols” Festival

What do the first apple to ripen in the garden and the first scientific discovery have in common? Every apple begins with a tiny seed, and every scientific discovery begins with an unanswered question. Both a rich harvest and new knowledge require curiosity, patience, perseverance and the courage t…

Latvijas Zinātnes padome

August 11, 2026