The Institute of Plasma Physics & Lasers (IPPL) of the University Research and Innovation Center of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) once again organised “Researchers’ Night 2026” in Rethymno, on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the IPPL facilities in Tria Monastiria. The event attracted visitors of all ages, creating an open meeting point between science, technology and society.
From 17:00 to 20:30, visitors took part in experiments, games, drawing, constructions and interactive presentations, experiencing the world of science and research in a hands-on way. The programme also included the Citizens Science Corner – “Planting for the Future”, the EU Missions Corner, the ScienceHERoes Corner – Equality Corner, as well as sky observation activities with the participation of the Friends of Astronomy Association of Crete.
Activities for children were carried out with the support of “Science in the City” of the Laboratory of Science Education of the Department of Primary Education at the University of Crete. These activities formed one of the central elements of the event, bringing children into direct contact with scientific concepts through play, creativity and active participation. This section had already been included in the event programme as a key means of engaging younger audiences.
At the same time, popular science talks were held in the IPPL lecture hall, aiming to present contemporary research topics in a way that was accessible to the general public. The speakers were Professor Michalis Tatarakis, Director of IPPL and HMU Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor Evridiki Patelarou of the Department of Nursing and member of the HMU Council of Administration, and Professor Emmanouil Kymakis, Director of the HMU Institute of Emerging Technologies.
The evening concluded with musical activities, discussion and local delicacies, giving members of the public the opportunity to continue interacting with researchers in a more direct and friendly setting. This aspect of the event further strengthened its role as a meeting point between the research community and society. In the original programme, this final section had been designed as a continuation of the scientific activities, with discussion, refreshments and music.
Once again, “Researchers’ Night 2026” served as a dynamic channel of communication between researchers and citizens, highlighting the importance of disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering meaningful interaction between society, research and innovation.
The event was implemented within the framework of the SOFIA project – “SOciety For research and Innovation in Action – I research therefore I am” and is an associated event of the European Union’s MSCA and Citizens initiative, under the call HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01.