Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
About event
European Researchers’ Night 2026 at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences will take place under the concept “Science Drives Change. From a Question to Lasting Value.” Visitors will be able to explore the pathway of research impact: question → research method → discovery or solution → change → lasting value.
10:00–15:00 – forum “CREATING VALUE” on developing high value-added products, using research and technologies in product development, building teams and companies, competitiveness, intellectual property, and product costs.
18:00 – open guest lecture “My Dear Hemp House” on bio-based construction and the use of hemp in building materials.
18:30–21:00 – the main programme of European Researchers’ Night. Seven change stations will operate at Cēsu iela 4, introducing visitors to ViA’s research areas, study opportunities, library and knowledge heritage, the history of research in Vidzeme, and topics related to the Patent Office. At each station, visitors will be able to take part in a practical or interactive activity and learn about specific research results and solutions.
During the evening, there will also be experiments and experience stories on agro-construction and bio-based building materials, “Do Straw and Hemp Houses Burn?”, as well as a Vidzeme future forecasting game in which visitors will evaluate previously developed Vidzeme development scenarios and share their own vision for the region’s future.
Field of science: Sustainable business and economics, including tourism and the management of cultural and natural heritage; societal resilience, security and sustainability; modelling of sociotechnical systems; virtual reality, including digital health and digital art; data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and e-learning.
Event time: 18:30–21:00; related events from 10:00
Venue and contact information: Cēsu iela 4, Valmiera, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences building in the Valmiera Innovation Quarter.
How to get there: A free car park is located nearby, the building is opposite Valmiera Bus Station, and the railway station is 1.7 km away. There are convenient access options.
Accessibility: The main event areas are accessible to people with mobility impairments. There may be minor limitations in some transitions between rooms – event staff will provide assistance if needed. Not all activities are fully adapted for people with visual or hearing impairments; however, the programme will also include some activities accessible to them, as well as activities that promote public understanding of inclusion and people’s diverse needs.
Event language: Latvian. Staff can also provide explanations and involve visitors in interactive activities in English.
Maximum number of visitors at one time: Up to 25 people at one time in each specific location; activities are divided between different rooms. Up to 8 different locations can operate simultaneously, each with a capacity of 15–25 people; approximately 150 people in total.
Additional registration information: Registration is required only for the forum and open lectures. Researchers’ Night visitors will be counted on site, but no advance registration is organised for the creative workshops.
Registration link for the forum, open lectures, and other activities: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PJjSINAGU0SYK-7uIcudaH0F1Rbzlv9Gi_IKAx0nsZ5URjRKTlRWOElRSFI3UFdHWURPOEZPSFRGWS4u
More information: www.va.lv
Date of event:
September 25 - September 26, 2026
Time:
All day
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The Scientific Institute of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViAZI) is responsible for organising European Researchers’ Night. ViAZI is ViA’s joint research platform and a driving force behind its scientific activities, bringing together researchers in the social sciences and technologies, research groups, laboratories, and doctoral studies. Its task is to transform research expertise into interdisciplinary projects, internationally competitive publications, and practical solutions with an impact on society, the economy, governance, and regional development.