The ‘European Researchers’ Night in Armenia’ (ERNA) is an annual pan-European public initiative, held simultaneously in numerous European and associated countries on the last Friday and Saturday of September. Its primary goal is to make research and researchers more accessible to citizens, particularly youth, schoolchildren, university students, families, and the general public.
ERNA: Part of a Larger European Initiative
The ERNA initiative is an integral part of the broader ‘European Researchers’ Night,’ Europe’s largest science engagement event. It receives funding from the European Union through the ‘Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions’ (MSCA) programme. MSCA supports cutting-edge research and innovation, equipping researchers at various career stages with new knowledge and skills, transcending geographical boundaries, and fostering interaction across different fields and scientific disciplines.
Simultaneous Events Across Armenia
In Armenia, ERNA will be held on September 25-26, 2026, simultaneously in Yerevan, Shirak (Gyumri), and Vanadzor.
Under the motto “Science for Citizens, Citizens for Science: Facing Challenges, Building the Future,” the event aims to make science visible, accessible, and human. The activities will help bridge the communication gap between science and society, demonstrating that researchers are ordinary people with their own interests, creativity, and daily lives, whose work has a real impact on society, the economy, and our future.
Interactive and Engaging Activities for All Ages
Through scientific shows, live demonstrations, experiments, games, and interactive events, visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions, test ideas, discover how things work, and experience the role of a researcher.
The Night is designed for everyone, from young children and their parents to teenagers, university students, teachers, lecturers, adults, and seniors. It welcomes both science enthusiasts and those who previously believed that science was not for them.
Focus on Key Scientific and EU Priorities
The programme will cover a wide range of scientific and research fields. Special attention will be given to information technology and key European Union priorities, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and EU missions. Each topic will be presented in the simplest and most engaging way possible, connecting it to everyday life.
Main Event at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia
During the main event at the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, visitors will be able to explore six complementary thematic zones, each presenting science in its unique way:
- EU Zone: This zone will showcase EU-funded programmes and initiatives, including “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions” (MSCA), “Horizon Europe,” “Erasmus+”, “COST,” and other programmes, as well as successful projects implemented with their support.
- Edutainment Zone: Here, science will be presented through games and entertainment, including interactive experiments, scientific performances, physics puzzles, and other activities for families.
- Exhibition Zone: This zone will feature Armenia’s historical and modern scientific, technological, and innovative achievements. One section will highlight the contributions of Armenian scientists and inventors to global scientific and technological development, as well as early measuring and control equipment from Armenia’s technological industry. Another section will present the current research and educational activities in Armenia, its research institutes and universities, and prominent Armenian scientists.
- Women in Science: Female researchers will present their work, scientific journeys, and the achievements of renowned female scientists, challenging stereotypes about science and inspiring girls and young women.
- Career Guidance Corner: Organizations and specialists representing research, education, healthcare, technology, state, and private sectors will present science and research-related professions, career opportunities, and development paths, helping young people make informed choices about their future professions and research careers.
- “The Other Side of the Researcher” Zone: Researchers will present not only their professional work but also their hobbies, creative talents, and interests beyond science, revealing the lively and human side of researchers.
Young European Ambassadors’ Involvement
Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) in Armenia will interact with visitors in the “Edutainment” zone through interactive activities and support the EU Delegation in Armenia at its stand, helping young people discover EU opportunities and the connections between science, research, innovation, and everyday life.
ERNA will return to Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor again on September 24-25, 2027.
Source: euneighbourseast.eu
