About ERNEST

The Science Behind the Experience

ERNEST is a quantum cat on a scientific mission: to bring science to life in the most unexpected places. A playful nod to Schrödinger’s cat, which embodies the curiosity and discovery spirit at the heart of scientific research. As a quantum cat, ERNEST lives in the space between curiosity and knowledge — just like the ERNs, which opens the doors of science to everyone, across Europe, for one extraordinary evening. Through hands-on escape games inspired by scientific research, ERNEST invites participants to experience what it feels like to think, act, and explore like a scientist. Much like Schrödinger’s cat, trapped in a box of possibilities, participants step into a space where knowledge is revealed only through interaction. ERNEST is a furry ambassador of the ERN spirit: science for everyone, everywhere — through play, wonder, and discovery.

Project overview

Doing science as an adventure.

From concepts to experiences

ERNEST creates science escape rooms inspired by real research. Through puzzles, storytelling, and teamwork, participants explore scientific ideas in a hands-on and engaging way. Each experience transforms complex topics into playful challenges, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through portable escape room formats, ERNEST brings science directly into communities — making research accessible, engaging, and inclusive.

What we explore

ERNEST turns many areas of research into interactive challenges, including:

  • Particle physics and the structure of matter

  • Space, astrophysics, and Earth observation

  • Climate, sustainability, and environmental research

  • Health, medicine, and biomedical innovation

  • Artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technologies

Science for everyone, everywhere

ERNEST is designed for students, families, educators, and curious minds of all ages. The project brings hands-on science experiences to schools, museums, libraries, public spaces, and other unexpected venues. By reaching communities beyond traditional science events, ERNEST creates new opportunities for participation and discovery. The same flexible approach allows researcher-led activities to engage students in schools with limited access to science outreach.

How it works

Why Escape Rooms?

01

Science becomes a challenge

Participants explore scientific ideas through puzzles, clues, and hands-on tasks set in immersive environments.

02

Research becomes accessible

Each activity is inspired by real research and guided by researchers, making science direct, human, and engaging.

03

Learning becomes collaborative

Players use the 4Cs — critical thinking, cooperation, creativity, and communication — to solve the mission together.

Connected pages

Explore ERNEST through its people, experiences, and mission.

Catalogue

Discover the escape rooms

Explore the scientific scenarios developed within ERNEST and see how research topics become interactive, story-driven experiences for participants.

Explore the Escape Rooms

Consortium

Meet the ERNEST network

Learn about the institutions, researchers, educators, and partners collaborating to bring science engagement activities across Europe.

Meet the Network