On the night of 30 September, the European Researchers Night took place. The Europe-wide science communication and promotion event is primarily aimed at the younger generation – meaning that in all Horizon Europe associated countries, fun, family-oriented and engaging educational activities were held by scientific organisations. The Researcher’s Night, taking place yearly, on the last Friday of each September, is sponsored by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.

As 2022 is designated as the European Year of Youth, the launch of the “Researchers at School” initiative was also announced, and implemented in many of the programmes of the Researcher’s Night. This new initiative from the Commission aims to further the same goals as the Researcher’s Night has all year round – popularising science amongst young pupils through direct interaction with researchers. The project is set to involve 2400 primary and secondary schools over two years to hold exchanges on the topic of science, technology, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

These events also emphasize tangible scientific goals, such as how science can help in combating societal challenges, as well as achieving SDGs and an overall healthier European and global environment for the next generation. The researchers at school initiative also aims to reach out to researchers who are interested in getting involved.