For the next two years, Groningen will again 'host' the European Researchers' Night, to celebrate and showcase science. The application of the four Schools for Science & Society of the University of Groningen, which jointly organise the Night, was approved on Tuesday. The Night includes a science festival in Forum Groningen, an event full of experiments, shows, science battles, music and dance.

Last year, the European Researchers' Night took place in 48 places in Europe, including Groningen. The 2023 Night was also organised by the Schools. With several thousand visitors and over 60 researchers participating, the Groningen Night was a great success. A diverse audience actively participated in the various experiments, shows and games, for instance in the fields of artificial intelligence, energy, (informal) healthcare and sustainability.

The aim of the Night is to bring research and the public together so that everyone gets involved in the world of science. In addition to the European Researchers' Night at the Forum, a number of new activities are planned for 2024 and 2025, including an interactive exhibition 'Create your Future Life', a 'Week of Connection' and the educational programme 'Plastic, what a waste!'. Zpannend Zernike will also be organised again in early October, introducing children to the wondrous world of science.

The European Researchers' Night 2024 will take place on 27 September under the theme 'Living in a Smart World'. This theme ties in with the interdisciplinary nature of the Schools. For the organisation, the Schools are working together with the Pre-University Academy, Science LinX, Studium Generale, Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), Young Academy Groningen, the University Museum, the University of Galway and the University of Göttingen. The European Researchers' Night is funded by the European Commission within the Marie Curie programme.