On the last Friday of September, one of the most significant science communication events will take place – the European Researchers’ Night. This initiative will bring together dozens of scientific institutions and thousands of visitors across the country, both in the capital and in more than 30 event locations throughout the regions.
This year’s theme, “Discover the Researcher’s Gene Within You!”, invites everyone to explore the role of science in everyday life and in the development of society, highlighting how research helps to find solutions in health, environment, technology, quality of life, and many other necessary fields.
The programme will also include fire shows, demonstrations of quantum sensors, archaeological experiments such as pewter casting, and opportunities to explore the underwater world. Families with children will be welcomed with games and creative activities, a chance to step into the role of a doctor, and learn how simple it can be to extract DNA – the genetic information stored in cells. Technology enthusiasts will be able to see self-driving cars and other future innovations, while stargazers will have the opportunity to explore constellations and observe animal migration through radar.
Details about the venues and programmes are available on Latvia’s science portal researchLatvia.
In Rīga, visitors will be welcomed with a wide programme across more than 20 universities, schools, and research centres:
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Left bank of the Daugava River – Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Latvia (UL), UL Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Medical Education Technology Centre, Rīga Technical University (RTU), Rīga Zolitūde Gymnasium, RTU Curiosity Center "Futurimo Riga", and Turība University.
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Right bank of the Daugava River – Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Institute of Solid State Physics, UL HZF Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, UL Institute of the Latvian Language, UL Institute of Latvian History, RSU Red Cross Medical College, Transport and Telecommunication Institute, and the open-air exhibition “Science Street.”
Elsewhere in Latvia, events are planned for the following locations:
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Vidzeme – Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” (Salaspils), Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Valmiera), Space Education Centre (Cēsis), “Elektrum” Energy Centre (Jūrmala), UL Baldone Astrophysical Observatory, and AREI Priekuļi Research Centre;
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Zemgale – Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Jelgava), Institute of Horticulture (Dobele);
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Latgale – University of Daugavpils, Malnava College, and RTU Rezekne Academy;
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Kurzeme – Ventspils Science Centre “Vizium”, Ventspils Digital Centre, RTU Liepāja Academy, Research and Education Innovation Centre (Liepāja), Science and Education Innovation Centre (Nature House) (Liepāja), the Papes Ornithological Research Centre of the Institute of Biology, and Stende Research Centre.
In 2024, Researchers’ Night attracted around 21,200 visitors. This year, too, the extensive and diverse programme across Latvia will give families with children, school pupils, students, and all enthusiasts the opportunity to experience research as an exciting process that both educates and inspires.
About researchLatvia
The Latvian science portal “researchLatvia” is developed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) to promote the visibility of Latvian science, to introduce the public to research achievements, and to strengthen the link between scientists and society.The communication and awareness campaign for “Researchers’ Night 2025” is implemented within the MoES project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 “More effective and smarter implementation and management of Latvia’s science policy.”
