Under the slogan “Discover the Nature of Science!”, “Researchers’ Night 2026” will take place across Latvia on Friday, 25 September, inviting everyone to explore science in an exciting and practical way. At more than 35 locations, visitors will be able to look inside laboratories and discover structures invisible to the naked eye using a scanning electron microscope, take part in experiments and creative workshops, explore the latest technologies, and meet scientists.
This year, families with children are especially invited to attend the events, explore science together, and discover its many different facets – from nature and agriculture to technology, biomedicine, and music. Participation in Researchers’ Night activities is free of charge. To help visitors choose their Researchers’ Night destination, we have compiled a selection of events taking place in Latvia’s regions and in Riga.
Kurzeme
What lies hidden in the soil, and how are weed seeds separated from grain? At the Dižstende Research Centre of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, which has been contributing to the development of Latvian agriculture for more than a century, Researchers’ Night visitors will be able to explore cereal breeding and agricultural research in practice. There will be an opportunity to examine soil samples collected from different locations, learn about sources and uses of organic fertilisers, and find out how to distinguish between different cereal varieties. Visitors are welcome from 15:00 to 21:00.
In Liepāja, at the “Nature House” of the Science and Education Innovation Centre, located on Zirgu Island by Lake Liepāja, visitors will be able to explore science through hands-on activities. Both children and adults are invited to discover the natural world more closely, including by learning about fish anatomy and examining the structure of their internal organs in practice. Visitors are welcome from 17:00 to 21:00.
Zemgale
From astronomy to drones and experiments in chemistry and physics. At Jelgava Technology Secondary School, Researchers’ Night visitors will be able to see how information technology and engineering meet art. There will be an opportunity to visit the astronomy observatory, watch drones being operated, and take part in various experiments. Visitors are welcome from 17:00 to 20:00.
At the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute in Tērvete, visitors will be able to learn more about wood, technologies, and modern construction solutions. During practical activities, visitors will be able to explore a smart home exhibition, watch demonstrations of wooden nails, and discover 3D printing technologies. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, where guests will also be offered tea brewed over a campfire. Visitors are welcome from 16:00 to 21:00.
Vidzeme
Do plants always need soil to grow? Visitors will be able to explore the answer to this and other questions at the Priekuļi Research Centre of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics. They will be able to take a closer look at the world of soil, explore the diversity of plant roots, find out which seeds are hidden in the soil, and discover how plants can help improve its quality. Younger researchers will be able to paint with soil, explore it using different senses, and create their own bacterium whose “soil” is the human body. The centre will welcome visitors from 16:00 to 21:00.
At the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, Researchers’ Night will begin with an “Idea Sprint” for secondary school students from Eco-Schools. Later in the evening, all visitors will be able to explore the seed bank, learn more about forest and soil biodiversity, and follow the tracks of wolves and bears. Children will be invited to take part in forest bingo, while adults will be able to make their own sauna scrub, “The Scent and Power of the Forest”. At the Forestry Machinery Control Centre, visitors will have the opportunity to try out a forestry machinery model and discover the technologies used to monitor damage caused by forestry machinery.
Latgale
How are modern technologies changing agriculture? At LBTU Malnava College, Researchers’ Night visitors are invited to investigate through hands-on activities, discuss while listening, and draw conclusions through analysis. In the crop production laboratory, visitors will be able to learn about the processes of cultivating and researching field crops; in the experimental greenhouse, they can explore how plant growing conditions are studied; while in the agricultural machinery laboratory, they will be able to take a closer look at modern technologies and their role in farming. Visitors are welcome from 14:00 to 19:00.
At a completely different scale, visitors will be able to explore the world at RTU Rēzekne Academy. There, Researchers’ Night visitors will be able to look into the microworld using a scanning electron microscope, test the quality of their jewellery, and take part in other educational activities.
Rīga
Can a DNA molecule be seen with the naked eye? At the Kleisti Research Centre of the National Research and Innovation Institute (NIRI), visitors will not only be able to learn the answer, but also step into the role of a laboratory researcher themselves. During practical workshops, they will have the opportunity to extract and observe DNA molecules using simple materials.
At the Kleisti Research Centre, visitors will also be able to learn about viruses, bacteria and the microbiome, the world of biomedicine and cells, as well as discover what archaeological finds and ancient DNA can reveal about the lives and diseases of our ancestors. Families will also be able to take part in interactive games, including a themed escape game and an unusual look at the “illnesses” of familiar fairy-tale characters. Activities will take place from 17:00 to 22:00.
This year, the University of Latvia will offer more than 100 activity stations during Researchers’ Night, ranging from “Voices of Atoms” to “The Art of Data”. Visitors will be able to watch experiments and demonstrations, take part in workshops, listen to short presentations by scientists, and experience science improvisation. The extensive programme also includes the “Science Stage”, “Matter and Material”, and other activities for different generations. UL will welcome visitors at six locations in Riga and elsewhere in Latvia from 17:00 to 22:00.
At the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, meanwhile, science will meet music. At 19:00 in the JVLMA Organ Hall, the documentary film “Nošu racēji” by Latvian Academy of Culture doctoral student Andrejs Verhoustinskis will be screened. The film tells the story of JVLMA doctoral students and contemporary music composers Anna Fišere and Platons Buravickis. At 20:30, a tour of JVLMA will take place, during which visitors will be able to visit the Jāzeps Vītols Memorial Room and the Laboratory of Systematic Musicology and Neuroscience, as well as enjoy a musical performance. Prior registration for the tour is required by 24 September, inclusive.
“Researchers’ Night 2026” will take place on 25 September at more than 40 locations across Latvia, and participation in the events is free of charge. For some activities, the number of places is limited or prior registration is required, so visitors are encouraged to check the information for their chosen venue before attending.
For the latest information and the full programme, please also visit the researchLatvia.gov.lv website: https://www.researchlatvia.gov.lv/lv/science-night
