EUROPEAN RESEARCHERS’ NIGHT 2026 · 25 SEPTEMBER 2026
Bologna
INSTITUTION
Italian National Institute for Astrophysics
VENUE
Bologna Research Area
TIME
17:30–23
ACTIVITIES
An open exploration environment
There is no predefined path: visitors can start anywhere and move through the space according to their interests and curiosity. Every activity contributes to one shared investigation.
Activity programme
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Entrance
At the entrance, visitors receive their ERNEST passport and a very brief introduction to the event. This area establishes the visual identity and narrative tone, with the cat as symbolic guide.
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A cavallo di un fotone
An astrophysics escape room in which you become a photon and retrace the long journey of light particles from inside the Sun through the Solar System to telescopes on Earth. There, astronomers studying the Universe capture them to create spectacular images of our cosmic neighbourhood. To overcome the challenges, participants will use logical thinking and unplugged coding to discover the Solar System and the physics of light.
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EU Explorer
An area that connects the experience to the wider context of European research, showing how ERNEST activities belong to a larger collaborative scientific effort.
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Debrief Area
A quieter but visible space where visitors can interact with researchers, reflect on what they experienced and connect the activities to real scientific concepts.