“Researchers’ Night,” which takes place on September 23, is an initiative promoted by the European Commission that is annually held in various European cities with the purpose of bringing scientists and researchers closer to citizens. This initiative is promoted in the Azores by the Regional Government with the support of several entities.

The local scientific community – researchers, teachers and students – has been invited to promote various recreational and educational activities at Expolab – Lagoa Scientific and Technological Dissemination Centre
Scientists will display their work as well as the research activities they have developed in a simple and informal manner accessible to all, from parents to children.

The activities will be open to the public and will take place from 3 PM to 12 AM. “Hora do Conto – a ciência dos alimentos” (Story Time – the science of food) and “Lanche Científico” (Scientific Snack) will bring together about 40 children from several Lagoa schools at Expolab in the afternoon. The mobile planetarium and “Cantinho Europeu” (European Corner) will be available to all visitors. Moreover, the event also features a lecture by a Chemist titled “Há química entre nós” (There is chemistry among us). The researchers attending the event will be likewise available for 15 minute sessions.

The Azores Science Centres will also participate in the “Researchers’ Night” with activities, demonstrations and exhibitions.

This is a joint initiative of the Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures, the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation and the Afonso de Chaves Society through Expolab, which welcomes hundreds of visitors at the “Researchers’ Night” every year.