PRESS RELEASE
European Researchers’ Night 2026
25 September 2026 | 18:00–22:00
Heraklion and Rethymno – CRETE
“From Microplastics and DNA to the Inhabitants of the Deep Sea: HCMR at Researchers’ Night 2026”
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) is actively participating in Researchers’ Night 2026, the major European celebration of science that brings researchers and the public closer together than ever before.
On Friday, 25 September, in Heraklion and Rethymno, researchers, scientists, and scientific staff from HCMR’s three Institutes and CRETAquarium will welcome visitors on a journey of discovery into the world of the sea, inland waters, and scientific research.
Through interactive experiments, board games, microscopes, stereoscopes, virtual reality applications, educational robotics, and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to explore the world of marine research and discover how science contributes to understanding and protecting the natural environment.
Visitors will explore the hidden world of the seafloor and the small organisms that inhabit it, learn about the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, observe planktonic and benthic organisms through microscopes and stereoscopes, and virtually “dive” into the marine environment using virtual reality technologies.
At the same time, they will discover the world of microplastics, become “river detectives” by exploring the tiny organisms that reveal the health of freshwater ecosystems, learn about the marine mammals of the Greek seas and the mysterious mesopelagic fish through educational games, and take part in activities that connect marine research with sustainable nutrition and everyday life.
A special place in the programme is dedicated to educational robotics activities, an introduction to citizen science through the iNaturalist application, and an interactive DNA extraction workshop using simple everyday materials, offering a hands-on way to uncover the secrets of genetics.
The public will also have the opportunity to explore HCMR’s mobile laboratory — a “laboratory on wheels” — and discover how researchers collect data and samples in the field, bringing science from the laboratory to the sea and back again.
Researchers’ Night is a unique opportunity for science and society to come together, highlighting the role of research in addressing contemporary environmental challenges and inspiring the next generation to explore the world of knowledge.
📍 Heraklion – Voutes University Campus
📍 Rethymno – Gallos University Campus
📅 Friday, 25 September 2026
Admission is free to the public.
We look forward to welcoming you to meet the people behind research and to discover the fascinating world of science through experiences, play, experimentation, and exploration.
Researchers’ Night takes place simultaneously in 40 countries and more than 460 cities across Europe and beyond.
For more information about the events organized as part of European Researchers’ Night 2026, visit:
https://steps.uoc.gr/drastiriotites/vradia-erevnitrias-kai-erevniti/
