The CNR, the University of Insubria, FAST and the National Museum of Science and Technology bring research closer to younger generations in Lombardy through open laboratories, citizen science and meetings with researchers

The activities of the European Researchers’ Night will take place within Co.Science 2.0, a project recognized by the European Commission as associated with the MSCA and Citizens initiative of the European Union – HORIZON-MSCA-2025-CITIZENS-01, building on the Co.Science project (April 2024 – March 2026), coordinated by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR).

The European Researchers’ Night is a unique opportunity to meet the people who contribute every day to the advancement of knowledge, showing how research is an essential driver of the country’s social, economic and cultural development. For this reason, in the 2026 edition, the CNR, the University of Insubria and the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology will once again open their doors to the public with events and initiatives designed to promote scientific culture and bring citizens closer to places of research and knowledge.

The 2026 European Researchers’ Night initiatives, organised in continuity with the Co.Science project (April 2024 – March 2026), include:

CNR – Research at the Heart! Open Labs 2026

For the first time, the National Research Council (CNR) will open the doors of the CNR Milan 1 Research Area through “Research at the Heart! Open Labs 2026”, an initiative primarily dedicated to schools. Students and teachers will have the opportunity to visit laboratories, meet researchers and discover first-hand the value of scientific research and innovation. Another new feature is the programme of prequel events on 23 September 2026, aimed at primary school children and hosted at the Stefano Cerri Auditorium, located in Milan’s Municipality 3, a key community venue.

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology – Open Night

On the occasion of the European Researchers’ Night, the Museum will host a free public event featuring unique exhibits, hands-on workshops, performances, music, one-to-one conversations with researchers, and many opportunities to explore the relationship between science and society. Visitors will be invited to reflect on current and future challenges through activities focusing on space exploration, biodiversity conservation and geopolitics, artificial intelligence, digital and technological innovation, energy systems and sustainability, history, art, health, algorithms and computer music. Throughout the evening, the public will enjoy free access to the entire Museum, together with a DJ set and food & drink options.

University of Insubria – Researchers’ Night

The University of Insubria will take part in the initiative with a programme of events across its campuses in Varese, Como and Busto Arsizio, including laboratories, lectures, guided tours and public engagement activities that will showcase the world of research and its impact on contemporary society. In Como, the programme is organised in collaboration with the Festival della Luce and is included in the Volt season of the Teatro Sociale, as part of the celebrations marking the bicentenary of Alessandro Volta’s death, which will be commemorated in 2027. The University will present “Science in the Square” on 25 September and “Eyes to the Sky” on 26 September.

FAST – “Young People and Science” Competition – Co.Science Award for Science Communication

As part of the European Researchers’ Night 2026, FAST will promote the 2027 edition of “Young People and Science”, the competition that recognises Italy’s most talented young scientists and selects participants for the European competition. Co.Science will present a special award to the two projects that demonstrate excellence in science communication, recognising the ability to explain research in a clear, engaging and effective way.

More information about the programmes:
https://www.coscience.eu/index.html

Co.Science has brought together a partnership including the CNR, the University of Insubria, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, the Federation of Scientific and Technical Associations (FAST), the Italbiotec Consortium, and the City of Milan, with the aim of bringing research closer to citizens, with particular attention to younger generations, through activities organised during the 2024 and 2025 editions of the European Researchers’ Night.

For the 2026 edition, collaboration with local public institutions has expanded: alongside the City of Milan, Municipality 3 joins the partnership as a key host for the activities taking place at the Stefano Cerri Auditorium.