European Researchers' Night

On 25 September 2026, USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten and the City of St. Pölten are hosting European Researchers’ Night 2026. With the goal of  bringing science to life and strengthening the dialogue between research and society, the St. Pölten campus and city centre will be transformed into a vibrant world of scientific discovery.

Visitors of all ages can look forward to a varied programme featuring interactive research stations, exciting experiments, hands-on activities and personal encounters with researchers from Austria and across Europe. The focus is on this year’s theme, S.P.A.C.E., which invites visitors to discover research from new perspectives and experience science in creative ways.

Science Busters and The Circus of Knowledge

Particular highlights are the performances by Science Busters, featuring Florian Freistetter and Martin Puntigam, as well as The Circus of Knowledge, which takes young visitors on an entertaining journey into the world of science and innovation.

More Highlights

• S.P.A.C.E.-treasure hunt: At various stations around St. Pölten, visitors can take on exciting challenges, solve puzzles and explore the many facets of research and innovation in a fun and interactive way.
• Science Pub Quiz by European University E³UDRES²
• EU Wormholes: Talking about teams comprising researchers from our European University E³UDRES²
• Drag readings: Drag Queens read stories

Programme

• 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Interactive Stations, Activities and Presentations
  • on campus and in the city centre of St. Pölten

• 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.: The Circus of Knowledge: Kamishibai - The Dinosaur Lady | Storytelling theatre for children aged 4+
  • Paper Theater Depicting the Lives of Great Researchers - Mary Anning: The story is about the palaeontologist Mary Anning, who discovered dinosaur fossils on the English coast when she was just a young girl.
    (Registration will be available shortly)

• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Science Busters live at USTP
  • With Florian Freistetter and Martin Puntigam. Science meets humour in a show that is both entertaining and educational.
    (Registration will be available shortly)

• From 8:00 p.m.: Evening programme in the city

Further programme details will follow shortly.

Look forward to a day full of discoveries, fascinating insights into the latest research and inspiring encounters with scientists from across Europe.

European Researchers‘ Night 2026 and 2027

European Researchers’ Night 2026 is part of the project “S.P.A.C.E. Science & Public Awareness through Creative Exploration”. It is being organised jointly by USTP and Ars Electronica Centre Linz. In 2026, European Researchers’ Night will take place in St. Pölten under this title, and in 2027 in Linz.

Sustainability Please consider using environmentally friendly means of transport when traveling to the event. How to reach us.