The European Researchers ’Night event aims to encourage the public to become familiar with the world of science and research and at the same time to strengthen the public image of researchers, whilst highlighting the important role they play in society.
Through a festive atmosphere, the event brings together the general public, regardless of age, gender, educational or social level with the research teams, as an opportunity to find out more their work and get to know aspects of their personality beyond their scientific activity. At the same time, through activities that focus on nurturing a culture of research and innovation, the event aims to encourage young people to pursue professional careers in research and in the wider field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
More than 1,500,000 visitors take part each year in this science and research festival, which takes place every last Friday in September in more than 350 cities across Europe.
The activities presented are interactive and encourage the active participation of the public. Visitors of all ages can take part in experiments, use the latest technology for performing simulations, chat with researchers, test their knowledge through competitions and have fun with music, theater and other events included in the programme.
The annual event is an initiative of the European Commission and is funded through the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) of the EU’s Framework-Programme for Research and Innovation. The main objective of the event is to nurture a research and innovation culture and raise awareness with regards to the research activity implemented by universities, research centres and innovative companies in our country.
European Researchers’ Night under the title MISSION POSSIBLE – The Sequel! took take place on Friday, 26 September 2025, at the premises of the Cyprus State Fair (Halls A & B) in Nicosia.The central theme of this year’s event will once again focus on the five (5) European Union Missions, bold actions with ambitious – yet achievable – goals aiming to address the following major societal challenges:
- Adaptation to Climate Change
- Cancer
- Healthy Oceans, Seas, and Waters
- Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
- Soil Health and Sustainable Food
CERIDES – Excellence in Innovation and Technology at European University Cyprus participated with its own booth illustrating among other the newly established UNESCO Chair. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou, Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Elikkos Elia, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus Dimitris Skouridis and Director General of Cyprus Research Innovation Foundation Theodoros Loukaides visited our booth and were informed about the with of the Center and the UNESCO Chair.