Eiropas Zinātnieku nakts 2026 Vidzemes Augstskolā: atklāj zinātnes dabu!

On Friday, 25 September, European Researchers' Night 2026 will take place at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Cēsu iela 4, Valmiera). Throughout the day, everyone interested is invited to participate in excursions, a forum, workshops, a guest lecture, experiments and interactive research activities.

The motto of Latvian Researchers' Night 2026 is "Discover the nature of science!", while Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) complements it with the message "Science drives change. From question to lasting value."

Visitors will be able to learn how solutions that promote change in society, the economy, technology and the region emerge from a question and the research process. The activities will offer the opportunity not only to observe and learn, but also to experiment themselves, test assumptions, discuss and explore study opportunities at ViA related to research fields.

Programme

10.00–15.00 | Forum "RADĪT VĒRTĪBU"

For the second time, the forum "RADĪT VĒRTĪBU" will take place at ViA, this year focusing on the creation of high value-added products.

Entrepreneurs, researchers, students and other interested parties are invited to experience stories and practical workshops on testing business ideas, the use of research and technology in product development, team building, the importance of data and brand strategy, intellectual property protection and product cost planning.

The forum will be an opportunity to develop your ideas, gain practical knowledge and build new collaboration contacts.

17.00 | Interactive climate workshop

European Climate Pact Ambassador Agrita Baltbārde will invite participants to an interactive workshop where they can take part and discuss climate issues and our opportunities to promote change.

18.00 | Open guest lecture "Mana mīļā kaņepju māja"

In the open guest lecture of "Jaunās būvniecības nedēļa" "Mana mīļā kaņepju māja", hemp house builder and owner Ernests Plūmiņš will share his experience.

Visitors will be able to learn about bio-based construction, the use of hemp in building materials and practical experience in building and using such a house in everyday life.

18.30–21.00 | Main programme of European Researchers' Night

From 18.30 at Cēsu iela 4, visitors will be welcomed by seven change stations where science can be explored practically and interactively.

Five stations will represent ViA research directions and related study programmes, the sixth – in the library – will tell about the heritage of knowledge, the history of research in Vidzeme and books published by ViA scientists, while another station will belong to the Patent Office.

At the stations it will be possible to:

participate in experiments and other interactive activities;

learn about solutions and research results created by ViA researchers;

find out how research helps solve issues important to society, the environment, the economy and technological development;

explore study opportunities in the fields where this research is being created.

The evening programme will also include participation in experiments on agro-construction and bio-based building materials "Vai salmu un kaņepju mājas deg?", practically exploring the properties of materials and testing related assumptions.

Check whether in 2011 we predicted the future of Vidzeme!

One of the special evening activities will be the Vidzeme future forecast game.

In 2011, ViA researchers developed long-term development scenarios for Vidzeme until 2030. After 15 years, during Researchers' Night we will return to what was predicted then and check what has come true, what turned out to be too optimistic and what future for Vidzeme we see today.

Visitors will be able to assess which of the scenarios developed in 2011 Vidzeme is currently closest to, and express their forecasts about what else could change in the region by 2030.

Come and discover the nature of science!

On 25 September, we invite schoolchildren, students, families, entrepreneurs and everyone interested to visit Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and choose the activities that interest them.

Participation in European Researchers' Night activities is free of charge.

Accessibility of the event

The main events at Cēsu iela 4 are accessible to people with mobility impairments and visitors in wheelchairs. In certain passages between rooms, accessibility