On Researchers’ Night, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia transforms into an exciting physics adventure — with experiments, activities, and surprises across all five floors of the building!
Researcher's Night at ISSP UL Draws Record Crowd and Media Attention
On 26 September, Researcher’s Night at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), welcomed a record number of visitors – more than a thousand science enthusiasts engaged in interactive activities, took part in experiments, and “discovered their inner scientists” in line with this year’s Researcher’s Night theme.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed the fire show, challenged themselves in the laser maze and escape room, and explored a variety of experiments with light, temperature, and cutting-edge technologies developed at the Institute, such as microfluidics chips and touch-sensitive sensors. A unique opportunity was also given to social media contest winners, who could make their own microfluidics chip treats from chocolate and filled them with caramel during a hands-on workshop. Visitors also showed great interest in the researcher presentations in the 2nd-floor hall, where ISSP UL scientists introduced exciting topics (the micro and nano world, light technologies), shared their ongoing BioPhoT innovation projects, and spoke openly about lab mistakes that turned into valuable lessons.
The event also attracted wide attention from Latvian media, with several crews broadcasting live reports that captured the vibrant atmosphere and shared stories about future innovations and the role of science in everyday life.
ISSP UL sincerely thanks all visitors, participants, and partners whose contribution made this year’s Researcher’s Night the most ambitious yet. The results highlight the public’s interest in science and its practical applications, inspiring us to continue this tradition in the coming years.
This year’s event was made possible with the support of the ISSP UL Found, the SWEB project, the FeLow-D project, the BioPhoT platform, the LACISE project and Brain Games.
European Researchers' Night is a Europe-wide event dedicated to promoting science and its achievements, held annually on the last Friday of September. Universities, higher education institutions, and research institutes open their doors to the public, offering everyone the chance to meet researchers, take part in guided tours, watch science shows, join experiments, and engage in discussions.