Every September, across the European Union, laboratories and lecture halls open their doors to the public for the European Researchers’ Night. For nearly two decades, this flagship EU event has brought researchers and citizens together in a spirit of curiosity, dialogue, and exchange. It is more than just an open house: it is an invitation to step into the world of science, meet the people behind the research, and discover how their work connects to our everyday lives.
The formula is deliberately diverse. Visitors can watch live demonstrations and experiments, attend seminars or guided tours, and even enjoy cultural performances designed to spark curiosity. The aim is simple: to break down barriers between scientists and society, build trust, and show that research is not a closed world but a shared journey toward solutions.
Bologna’s Contribution: A Focus on Sustainability
This year, our partner, the University of Bologna once again took part, highlighting its long-lasting commitment to outreach and its “third mission” of community engagement. Researchers curated a program dedicated to one of the university’s core objectives: a sustainable future.
The program showcased how sustainability is not confined to one discipline but emerges from cooperation across fields—from engineering and materials science to social sciences and urban studies. Interactive formats, such as urban living labs, gave the public a glimpse into how research and society can collaborate directly to design solutions.
CheMatSustain: Bridging Nanomaterials and Society
Among the teams present was CheMatSustain, which focuses on the sustainability of nanomaterials. Throughout the evening, the team hosted interactive sessions, explaining ongoing research and engaging visitors in open dialogue. This wasn’t a one-way presentation but a two-way exchange: attendees brought their own questions and concerns, ranging from environmental and social impacts to timelines and future opportunities.
Many visitors arrived with little background knowledge on nanomaterials but left with a clearer understanding of the project’s goals and challenges. For the researchers, this was an invaluable chance not only to disseminate results but also to test how their work resonates with society.
The team also presented the newly launched CheMatSustain Facility, a milestone achievement providing practical solutions for more sustainable nanomaterial use. The strong interest from attendees showed how much value lies in highlighting applied outcomes—bridging the often-perceived gap between scientific progress and societal benefit.
Why It Matters
Feedback from citizens and researchers alike suggests that the event was a success: it raised visibility for CheMatSustain and opened the door to potential collaborations with industry, NGOs, and local communities. Importantly, it reinforced the idea that transparent conversations—about both possibilities and risks—are essential to maintaining public trust in science.
For the University of Bologna, the event also served another key purpose: inspiring the next generation. Many attendees explored possible study paths, internships, and careers in research, showing how Researchers’ Night can also nurture curiosity into professional ambition.
Looking Ahead
Events like the European Researchers’ Night demonstrate the power of engagement. They remind us that science is not only about producing knowledge but also about sharing it, debating it, and co-creating solutions with society. For CheMatSustain, these conversations are already shaping research priorities and strengthening the social relevance of its work. By continuing to combine cutting-edge science with open dialogue, the team aims to contribute to a more sustainable society—one where nanomaterials are not only advanced, but also responsibly developed with and for the people they serve.
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