Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

Researcher's Night at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia – exciting experiments, discoveries, and innovations that will amaze you!

This year’s theme is “Between Molecules and Colours.” Visitors can enjoy a range of exciting activities:

• BREATHTAKING SCIENCE SHOW, featuring colorful fire, burning foam, liquid nitrogen experiments, and the answer to why helium makes your voice sound different. The bravest visitors will even get the chance to try some of the experiments themselves!

• SECRETS OF LIGHT – fascinating experiments and an opportunity for you to explore the diverse properties and practical applications of light.

• NEON DIMENSION – darkness, colours, and musical rhythms merge into an extraordinary experience. Drinks will glow under UV light, while liquid nitrogen turns treats into something special.

• FUTURE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS, including oil spill cleanup simulations, self-dimming smart windows, sensors, and optical microchips that pave the way for faster smart devices and internet in the future.

• EXPERIMENTS THAT ENGAGE! Hands-on activities await – exploding H₂ bubbles, microfluidic chips, and the opportunity to assemble your own battery!

• GAMES, QUIZZES, AND AN ESCAPE ROOM, where you can test your knowledge and skills!

The 2026 European Researchers' Night at the University of Latvia, ISSP UL, and other affiliated institutions is being implemented for the first time with the support of the European Commission through the "Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science, and Art" project. The event program is based on the New European Bauhaus approach, which encourages finding new points of contact between science, art, technology, and society. Visitors are invited to both observe and actively participate – experimenting, discussing, creating, and exploring current scientific topics together with researchers.

Field of science: materials science, photonics, energy materials, energy storage – batteries and supercapacitors, hydrogen energy, biomedical technologies, thin-film and coating technologies, photonic chips, microscopy, optics, sensors, quantum physics, etc.

Event time: 17:00–21:00 (visitors are asked to arrive by 20:30)

Venue and contact information: Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Ķengaraga iela 8, Riga. Contact information: info@lu.cfi.lv; Līga Ūdre, +371 25616135; www.cfi.lu.lv

How to get there: The event can be reached on foot, by public transport (tram 7, “Ķengaraga iela” stop), or by private car.

Accessibility: The event venue is accessible to people with mobility impairments. A lift is available.

Prior registration for the event is not required, except for school groups. School groups are invited to register by email at info@lu.cfi.lv

Event language: Latvian. If necessary, activities and information will also be provided in English.

Additional information: https://www.cfi.lu.lv/zinatnieku-nakts/

For the first time, the 2026 European Researchers’ Night at the University of Latvia, ISSP UL, and other associated institutions is being implemented with the support of the European Commission within the project “Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Art”. The event programme has been developed based on the New European Bauhaus approach, which encourages the search for new points of connection between science, art, technology, and society. Visitors are invited not only to observe but also to participate actively – to experiment, discuss, create, and explore current scientific issues together with researchers.