When Science Becomes an Adventure – LACISE Debuts at European Researchers’ Night
LACISE at the Researchers' Night - Hydrogen bubbles, hydrogen vehicle model, demonstration - How hydrogen is produced. Photo: Valdis Jansons
On the evening of September 26, the 20th European Researchers’ Night took place under the inspiring slogan “Discover the Researcher Gene Within You.” This year marked the debut of the LACISE project at the event, offering a wide range of engaging activities in the 3rd-floor lobby of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL).
The ISSP UL’s Energy Materials Laboratory, which is directly involved in the project's scientific work, ensured that Researchers’ Night became a memorable evening for both young and old. Highlights included exploding hydrogen bubbles, models of hydrogen- and solar-powered cars, a live demonstration of hydrogen production, and a challenging quiz game. Guests had the opportunity to interact with researchers, watch the car models in action, and even experience the thrill of popping hydrogen bubbles.
Solar-powered and hydrogen-powered vehicle models, participants of the LACISE quiz. Photo: LACISE project
Visitors also tested their knowledge in a quiz game created by LACISE scientists. Hosted on the Kahoot! platform, the game featured four themed quizzes: batteries, hydrogen, energy, and the LACISE project. Participants could choose a topic and tackle 10 tricky questions, with LACISE souvenirs awarded to winners. Throughout the evening, 35 quiz sessions were held, attracting 146 participants.
LACISE quiz participants. Photo: LACISE project.
This year, ISSP UL welcomed a record-breaking crowd of over one thousand science enthusiasts. Many were upper-grade students, but the event also drew strong interest from families with preschool and primary school-aged children, all eager to spend their Friday evening discovering something new.
The LACISE project extends its heartfelt thanks to all visitors for their enthusiasm and curiosity.
European Researchers’ Night was first held in 2005. The event was designed to foster public understanding of science and research, demonstrating that science is exciting, accessible, and relevant to everyday life. Each year, Researchers’ Night invites the public to visit research and educational institutions to see how science is made, meet researchers, ask questions, and participate in various activities. At the same time, the event aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, especially by engaging students and encouraging interest in STEM fields.