Researchers’ Night is an annual science event where researchers across Europe open their doors to people of all ages who are eager to learn about science. This year, visitors can explore the laboratories of the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Oulu and the University of Helsinki, Häme University of Applied Sciences, and Jamk University of Applied Sciences.
The theme of Researchers’ Night 2025 is community – research is not created in isolation but in collaboration with the entire scientific community. The event showcases the collaborative work and shared insights that often lie behind scientific studies and articles, demonstrating how science emerges from encounters.
Researchers’ Night takes place across all three campuses of the University of Jyväskylä: Seminaarinmäki, Mattilanniemi and Ylistönrinne. You can explore the world of crime scene investigation, test your pressing force, examine the timeline of the universe, and learn about the life of freshwater pearl mussels. There will be a puppet show to entertain younger children, and you can also find out what bioimpedance is all about during the night.
At the main campus of Jamk University of Applied Science on Rajakatu, you can test your esports skills, meet a hologram twin, and discover what gives salmon their distinctive colour. Did you know that stressed microalgae can produce hydrogen? Jamk also offers the chance to test exoskeletons and gain superpowers for the whole family.
This year is the eighth time the University of Oulu participates in Researchers’ Night. There will be science presentations at the Linnanmaa Campus providing information on citizen science projects, and you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with
researchers face-to-face at the researcher stand. As night falls, science meets magic when magician Olli Minkkinen takes to the Researchers’ Night stage.
The University of Helsinki’s science events are held in various locations across the city. At the observatory, you can explore particle physics, experiment with a metal ball accelerator, solve a high-energy physics escape puzzle, create models of the universe ranging from galaxies to black holes, and discover more about earthquakes and seismology. At the Science Corner, you can play a climate jigsaw puzzle, discover the mathematics behind images, test your geomedia skills, learn about ancient climates, and find out how forests and insects reveal the secrets of nature. You can also learn about the use of virtual reality in social psychology research.
Häme University of Applied Science is participating in Researchers’ Night for the fourth time. In Hämeenlinna, you can get to know about technologies that make home life easier, learn about brewing and discover how food industry by-products can be used in beer production. You can also find out where most of the heat is lost from a property and how profitable an energy investment would be.
All events are free to attend, so come along!
“The aim of Researchers’ Night is to spark interest in research and highlight its diversity,” says Associate Professor Laura Karavirta, the leader of the Porrastesti (Stair Test) project. “We hope that visitors will learn something new and gain a positive impression of researchers and research,” says Project Researcher Niina Kajan from the University of Jyväskylä. “There are bound to be future researchers among the visitors, and we want to inspire them to be more curious.”
Check out the programme in your nearest town and come and experience the fascinating world of science!
Further information:
Liisa Harjula
Head of Communications liisa.harjula@jyu.fi
Niko Ekman
Communications Trainee niko.2.ekman@jyu.fi