European Researchers' Night 2026

The Great E³UDRES² Showcase Contest

The Great E³UDRES² Showcase Contest celebrates student-driven projects, research, or initiatives that have the potential to turn into an interactive experience for the public. As part of the European Researchers’ Night 2026 in St. Pölten, we invite students from across the E³UDRES² Alliance to present their ideas in a new and engaging way. This year’s programme is built around S.P.A.C.E. – Science & Public Awareness through Creative Exploration, an approach that places science directly into the spaces we live in, shape, and explore together.

What you can submit

We are seeking projects that actively involve visitors during the European Researchers’ Night on 25 September in St. Pölten. Your idea should move beyond a traditional presentation. Instead, think of how your project could become an experience—something people can explore, interact with, or even take part in. This could be a booth, an installation, a live demonstration, a performance, or any other creative format that invites participation.

All submissions must relate to one (or more) of the four S.P.A.C.E. dimensions:

Personal S.P.A.C.E.

Linking science to individual lives and wellbeing

Common S.P.A.C.E.

focusing on shared environments and communities

Outer S.P.A.C.E.

exploring global, planetary, or space-related perspectives

Creative S.P.A.C.E.

bridging science with art and imagination

Eligibility

The contest is open to all students (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels) from partner institutions within the E³UDRES² Alliance. Students can apply individually or as a team. Please note that a maximum of 2 people will be able to participate in person at the St. Pölten European Researchers’ Night. The topic can be about any project, research, initiative, activity, or performance that aligns with the four dimensions of S.P.A.C.E.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for original and creative ideas that are showcased in a fresh and imaginative way. This can include novel concepts, unexpected perspectives, or unique approaches to communicating science.

Strong proposals actively involve the audience. This means creating an experience where visitors can participate, explore, or contribute, rather than simply observe. The more interactive and engaging your concept is, the stronger it will be.

Your project should clearly connect to one (or more) of the S.P.A.C.E. dimensions. We will assess how well your idea aligns with the chosen S.P.A.C.E. dimension(s), and how convincingly this connection is communicated within your concept.

Awarded Showcase

The best application will be able to bring their idea to life and showcase it during the European Researchers’ Night in St. Pölten on the 25th of September 2026. The winner(s) will work hands-on with the organizers of the event towards the establishment of their showcase.

In addition, the winning student(s) will:

  • receive a monetary prize of €500*, along with a personalized award acknowledging their achievement,

  • gain visibility through E³UDRES² communication platforms, including news articles, newsletters, and a dedicated interview on the UniWaves podcast,

  • connect with researchers and innovators from across the E³UDRES² Alliance, expanding their network and gaining insight into international collaboration,

  • become part of a Horizon Europe / MSCA initiative and gain valuable experience in designing and delivering impactful science communication formats.

* Travel and accommodation expenses could possibly be covered by the winners’ home institution (partially or fully). For details, please come in contact with the E³UDRES² team of your institution.

Any questions?

Get in touch with us through our contact form or write to your local E³UDRES² team.

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