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European Researchers' Night

The European Researchers’ Night (ERN) returns for another celebration of science and knowledge, this year under the theme “Science for Global Challenges: Understanding the Past and Shaping the Future.”

This year’s theme invites reflection on major global challenges, with a focus on environmental sustainability, health, well-being and physical condition, inclusion, and technological innovation.

On the night of September 26, 2025, Setúbal, Beja, and Portalegre citys will become stages for experiments, scientific discoveries, and knowledge sharing between researchers and the community.

PROGRAM

Discover how science is part of everyday life and take part in this event open to all ages.
Join the science celebration!

September 26, 2025

17:00 | Opening
17:00 – 22:00 | Science hits the streets
18:00 | Guided tour of the historic centre with historian Diogo Ferreira | Subject to prior registration here
19:30 | “The 1st Regional Exhibition of the Setúbal District (1930)” with historian Diogo Ferreira | Subject to prior registration here
To be confirmed | Boat trip on the “Maravilha do Sado” with researcher Nuno Borges | Subject to prior registration here
22:00 | Closing

SCIENCE HITS THE STREETS

Each activity is designed to raise awareness of the role everyone plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

🔬 Science, Technology and Innovation

Exploring the underground with electrical resistivity
Find buried objects in a miniature environment using electrical resistivity.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG – 15 Life on Land

EULAC Energytran
Learn more about the energy transition in Ibero-American countries.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

E3UDRES2 Ent-r-e-novators Project
Discover the European university alliance aiming to transform higher education.
SDG 4 – Quality Education

Home automation – Technology that makes homes smart
Interact with a smart home model, activate sensors and observe the results.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Cancer Detection and Diagnosis
Machine learning methods in cancer prevention and detection.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

Predictive Maintenance in Industrial Environments
How can technology prevent equipment failures in automotive production?
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

From microscope to macroscope
Observe through a microscope and sketch what you see.
SDG 15 – Life on Land

Influence of nanoplastics in irrigation water on lettuce crops
See how nanoplastics affect lettuce growth from irrigation to harvest.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 15 – Life on Land

Soap production – Sustainable soap
Discover how soap can be produced sustainably.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

SetubalXR
Explore Setúbal through immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences.
SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

3D printing in aircraft manufacturing – Aeronext 3D
See aircraft components and a drone developed at IPS.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 13 – Climate Action

💚 Health, Well-being and Society

My digital well-being – One habit to change, another to start
Join the conversation on strategies for a healthier online life.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

Science in osteoporosis prevention
How can science help prevent osteoporosis?
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being | SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Sport and healthy living
Learn more about the importance of sport and well-being.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

🌱 Sustainability and Environment

IPS biodiversity
Discover the species that inhabit the IPS campus in this photo exhibition.
SDG 15 – Life on Land

The microbiome of the IPS Forest
Explore microscopic structures that enable fungal growth and spread.
SDG 13 – Climate Action | SDG 15 Life on Land

SHIFT – Prototype testing
Test the SHIFT 360º platform, designed for sustainable tourism.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 12  – Responsible Consumption and Production

What are microalgae for?
Discover how wine production can generate microalgae.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being | SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

🎓 Culture, Education and Scientific Outreach

EUDRES dissemination activity
Learn about EUDRES initiatives.

Subsurface music
Listen to melodies created from georadar data of the Earth’s subsurface.

26 September 2025

17:00 | Opening
17:00 – 22:00 | Science in the streets
22:00 | Closing

SCIENCE IN THE STREETS

Each activity has been designed to raise awareness among participants about their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to their implementation in a context where this theme is gaining increasing relevance.

🔬 Science, Technology and Innovation

Empower Yourself! Energy, Waste and Science in Action
Discover how waste can be transformed into energy. A mini biodigester will be in operation, demonstrating the conversion of organic waste into biogas. The process of producing biodiesel from used cooking oil will also be showcased. Test your knowledge on the Energy Wheel and take part in an interactive quiz with prizes.
SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 13 – Climate Action

Explore to Learn: Virtual Reality in Agricultural Sciences — From XR Aqua to Future Training
Interactive session on virtual reality applied to agricultural sciences. Try out the XR Aqua and Virtual Training projects and discover how these technologies are transforming education, water resource management, and sustainable practices in agriculture.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger | SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 14 – Life Below Water | SDG 15 – Life on Land

Computer Science in Action
Showcase of final projects from the Computer Engineering degree and the Master’s in Computer Science, with a focus on innovation.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

BGREENER – Industrial Hemp and Biodiversity
Exhibition of hemp cultivation trials for various purposes: fiber production, sustainable food alternatives, and ecological enhancement. Includes assessment of insect biodiversity associated with the crop.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 15 – Life on Land

Distill’Inno – The Potential of Local Aromas
Exhibition of products developed under the Erasmus+ Distill’Inno project. Includes an interactive experience identifying aromas of Alentejo oregano and/or preparing a Distill’Inno product.
SDG 1 – No Poverty | SDG 2 – Zero Hunger | SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being | SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 15 – Life on Land

100% Mission in Tourism
Fun activity where participants take on the role of tourism researchers, tackling real-world challenges in the sector. Each mission is linked to one or more SDGs, promoting a practical and creative approach to applied research.
SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities | SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

💚 Health, Well-being and Society

Outdoor Lab: Test Your Body, Discover Science!
Physiological assessment through a submaximal physical test, with implications for sports training prescription.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being | SDG 4 – Quality Education

Metacognitive Training for Depression
Interactive activities using modules from Metacognitive Training for depression, promoting literacy on cognitive biases associated with depressive mood.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

With Soap and Care, We Say Goodbye to Infection!
Interactive experience raising awareness about hand hygiene and its importance in preventing infections.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being | SDG 4 – Quality Education

Mental Health with Colour and Sound, Without Stigma
Choose a relaxing song and express your feelings through painting. This activity promotes mental health through artistic expression.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

🎓 Culture, Education and Science Communication

Brand Lab
Interactive activity exploring the brand-building process through sensory games, quizzes, and slogan creation.
SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

Wordfully
Word games that stimulate creativity and language.
SDG 4 – Quality Education | SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

To be announced

Date and Place

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Setúbal
BEJA
PORTALEGRE

Previous Editions

2022 | Sustainability and Well-being

The first edition laid the foundations for direct engagement between researchers and citizens, with a participatory and inclusive programme.

2023 | Building Bridges: Dialogue between Science and Society

ERN 2023 highlighted climate urgency and research projects on green energy, recycling, and biodiversity protection.

2024 | Science for a Sustainable Future

The third edition welcomed hundreds of visitors across three cities, with workshops, mental health talks, and activities for all ages.

MORE INFORMATION

Center for Innovation, Research and Development
e. ciid.dici@ips.pt
t.+351 265 790 230
Partners
Media Partners
Guests
Conteúdo atualizado em 25/08/2025 14:21
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