Exciting research projects, escape rooms, quizzes, experiments, and creative performances captivated St. Pölten during the European Researchers' Night on 25 September 2026. Under the motto „S.P.A.C.E. - Science & Public Awareness through Creative Exploration“, the event invited people of all ages to engage directly with researchers and science. Hosted as part of the Europe-wide European Researchers’ Night initiative, S.P.A.C.E. made research accessible through hands-on activities that connected science with culture, creativity and everyday life.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, visitors explored a diverse programme spread across the campus of USTP - University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten and St. Pölten’s city centre, including the USTP CityLounge. A variety of researchers, performers and exhibitors from different institutions contributed to the event, offering interactive stations, demonstrations and opportunities for direct exchange with the public.
Quizzes, Questions and EU Wormholes
Through the offers hosted by E³UDRES², visitors were able to connect virtually with researchers across Europe through the "EU Wormholes": During designated timeslots, visitors had the chance to sit down and virtually talk to selected researchers of the alliance, asking any question related to the field of knowledge of the respective scientist. At USTP's cozy cinema, tucked away unter the large main staircase of the institution, visitors interested in challenging their knowledge enjoyed a E³UDRES² Science Pub Quiz with 15 questions. The winning team of the quiz evening was an Austrian couple, generously sharing their main prize also with other contestants. At the E³UDRES² booth, visitors of all ages got to learn more about the alliance and engage in a variety of interactive activities and guessing games.
The opening ceremony of the event in the city center of St. Pölten also saw contributions of E³UDRES² President Hannes Raffaseder, while E³UDRES² team member Leopold Kögler-Vencour moderated the ceremony. With its unique combination of research, culture, technology and community engagement, the European Researchers’ Night S.P.A.C.E. managed to inspire curiosity, spark conversations and bring people from research and education institutions as well as the public together.
