European Researchers' Night 2026

Every year, European Researchers’ Night takes place on the last Friday of September. This year, on 25 September, the University of Latvia invites school students, families and everyone with a curious mind to visit event locations both in Riga and in the regions. It will be an opportunity to meet researchers, watch and try out experiments, enjoy performances, take part in workshops, and discover how knowledge that shapes our everyday lives and our future is created. Admission is free.

When? Friday, 25 September.
What time? 5–10 pm
Where? Activities will take place at several locations:

• University of Latvia Campus Torņkalns, Jelgavas iela 1 and 3, Riga
• Institutes of the University of Latvia Faculty of Humanities (Institute of the Latvian Language, Institute of Latvian History, and Institute of Philosophy and Sociology), Kalpaka bulvāris 4, Riga
• Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Ķengaraga iela 8, Riga
• University of Latvia Botanical Garden, J. Šteinhauera iela 2, Riga
• University of Latvia Baldone Observatory, Riekstukalns
• University of Latvia Ornithological Research Centre, Pape

Visitors will be able to explore science through five thematic zones:

• Light and Matter
• Voices of Atoms
• Data Art
• Living the Future
• Science Stage

The programme will feature science improvisation, short talks by early-career researchers, interactive installations, experiments, hands-on workshops, meetings with researchers and Science Ambassadors, activities for children and families, as well as discussions and performances.

For the first time, the 2026 European Researchers' Night at the University of Latvia is being implemented with funding from the European Commission through the project "Aurora Nexus: Connecting People, Science and Art". The programme has been developed in line with the New European Bauhaus approach, encouraging new connections between science, art, technology and society. Visitors are invited not only to observe, but also to actively participate – to experiment, discuss, create and explore current scientific challenges together with researchers.

More information and events: www.lu.lv/en/researchers-night-2026

Important! Parking at the UL Academic Centre will be limited. We encourage visitors to use public transport, walk or cycle to the venue, or make use of nearby public parking facilities.