**More than 5,000 Turn Out for Cyprus Researchers’ Night**
Nicosia, Cyprus – The European Researchers’ Night 2026 attracted over 5,000 attendees in Nicosia last week, marking a significant milestone as the event celebrated 20 years in Cyprus. Organized by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), the event took place at the Cyprus State Fair and featured a diverse array of activities aimed at engaging the public with the world of science and innovation.
This year’s theme, “CELEBRATE 2.0 – Two Decades of STEAM-Powered Inspiration,” highlighted the importance of the STEAM approach, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The event successfully brought together researchers, academics, and organizations from various sectors within Cyprus’ research and innovation landscape.
Among the attendees were more than 2,000 school pupils who participated through organized visits and hands-on activities. The event featured over 75 exhibition stands and offered more than 80 interactive activities, including experiments, workshops, simulations, games, quizzes, and demonstrations. These activities were designed to showcase how different disciplines can collaborate to address practical and societal challenges.
A notable highlight of the evening was the Science Unfold 2026 student science communication competition, which centered around the theme “STEAMing Through Time! How research and innovation changed our world.” Students presented their interpretations of scientific inventions and applications that have significantly impacted daily life, focusing on making complex concepts accessible and engaging for the audience.
In addition to the interactive exhibits, a special anniversary stand was set up to trace the evolution of European Researchers’ Night in Cyprus since its inception in 2006. A commemorative video was also screened, showcasing key moments from the event’s two decades on the island.
RIF emphasized the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “The science does not concern scientists alone. It concerns society as a whole.” The foundation aimed to highlight the roles of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and the contributions of younger generations in shaping the future of research.
The event concluded with a networking reception, allowing members of the public to connect with researchers and representatives from the innovation community. This interaction aimed to foster relationships and encourage further interest in science and research.
European Researchers’ Night is an initiative of the European Commission, designed to bring research closer to the public and demonstrate its relevance in everyday life. The Cyprus event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic and was part of the CELEBRATE 2.0 project, funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 research and innovation programme.
The turnout for this year’s event underscores the growing interest in science and innovation among the Cypriot public, reflecting a broader trend of increasing engagement with research activities across Europe.