About us
About the festival
The European Researchers' Night is the largest science festival in Slovakia, bringing news and information from the world of research and innovation in an inspiring and unique way. Under its new name, it continues the successful tradition of the Researchers’ Night event.
The festival traditionally takes place on the last Friday of September in Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica, Žilina, Poprad, and other accompanying locations. The all-day program offers a series of scientific presentations, discussions, hands-on experiments, workshops, technological attractions, and much more!
The European Researcher’s Night is not just a one-day event but opens the door to discovering new horizons, establishing relationships, and participating in discussions that shape the future. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a science enthusiast, this is the night for you.
Science is not just a matter of laboratories and research centers; it is also a part of our daily lives and a critical factor in finding answers to the most significant challenges we face as humanity. The support and development of science is essential for the future of our society and our planet. The festival is part of a pan-European initiative supported by the European Commission since 2006. More than 25 countries and 300 European cities are involved throughout Europe. The festival attracts more than 1.5 million people every year. This year, we are organizing the 18th year of the event in Slovakia, and we plan to continue the initiative in the following years.
You will experience:
- Practical lectures
- Discussions
- Workshops
- Competitions
- Exhibitions and technological attractions
- Scientific experiments
In addition to the main program in the festival cities, the event includes several accompanying events and activities on the day of the event, as well as before and after.
The project is co-financed by the European Commission, i.e., the European program to support innovation research – Horizon Europe – MSCA.
Theme of 2025 – CHAOS
Every year, the European Researchers' Night has a central theme — and this year, the theme is Chaos, with the subtitle: "Seeking Order in an Unpredictable World."
Is our world ruled by randomness and chaos?
Science reveals that chaos is not merely the absence of order, but rather a unique form of it.
Take this opportunity to discover how science and technology uncover hidden patterns — and how they can help us make sense of seemingly random phenomena that shape our everyday reality.
Goal
The idea of the event is to present technological achievements and innovative solutions that not only make our lives easier and more pleasant but, above all, help to reverse the unfavorable trends of global development.
Vision
The creation of a scientifically literate society in which science is not only part of academic institutions but is accepted and celebrated by the public. A company in which a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning is built. Creation of lasting connections and cooperation between researchers, innovators, state administration, private sector, and population.
Mission
Organizing interactive activities, exhibitions, discussions, and hands-on experiences, the event seeks to break down barriers and demystify the world of science. Inspiring a new generation of researchers through the impact and significance of scientific progress in various fields.
Support Science, Support the Future!
Science helps us understand the world, think critically, and seek solutions to today’s challenges — from the climate crisis to the fight against disinformation.
The European Researchers' Night is organized by our non-profit organization (SOVVA) with the goal of showing that science isn’t just for academics — it’s for everyone.
Why do we need your help now?
In the past, the event was largely funded by grants from the European Commission, awarded in two-year cycles. Unfortunately, we were not successful in securing support for the current cycle (18th and 19th editions), and so we are now looking for new ways to fund the festival and its accompanying activities.
At a time when the world faces uncertainty and trust in facts is becoming increasingly fragile, we believe it is more important than ever to bring science closer to people. We don’t want Slovakia to lose an event which for nearly two decades, has been awakening curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and building trust in science.
