Over 20,000 visitors explored the fascinating world of science in Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik

European Researchers' Night 2024 was successfully held in Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, attracting a record number of over 20,000 visitors, including teachers, professors, scientists and parents who came with their children to explore the world of science. Popular city locations were transformed into large labs and classrooms where all visitors could learn about the latest scientific discoveries in a fun and interactive way.

RIJEKA
In Rijeka's Exportdrvo, over 2,700 enthusiastic visitors, many children among them, had the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, numerous creative workshops, experiments, games, and simulations prepared by around 150 Rijeka scientists at 30 scientific stations. Some of Croatia's leading scientists—Nenad Ban, Ivan Đikić, Stipan Jonjić, Ivana Novak Nakir, Igor Rudan, Igor Štagljar, Iva Tolić, and Adrijana Vinter—attended Rijeka Researchers’ Night, addressing the visitors with inspirational messages.

PULA
Pula Researchers’ Night 2024 covered a variety of scientific fields with a record number of over 400 visitors who got to explore University’s premises. Visitors were introduced to Croatian commercial species of shellfish in and learned about alternative shellfish in the context of climate change.
In the EU corner, visitors observed everyday items (sugar and salt crystals, grains of sand and leaves) under microscopes.

ZADAR
Again this year, on last Friday of September, University of Zadar opened its doors to the enchanting world of science with over 60 different experiments, creative workshops, presentations, and various other activities. Visitors learned about climate change, explored archaeological sites using digital technologies, built robots and produced works of art. More than 8,500 visitors learned about various scientific insights and innovations.

SPLIT
Researchers from almost all University of Split components, along with partner Institutes, of Oceanography and Fisheries and the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, prepared 30 interesting stations that engaged around 8,000 visitors. We were delighted by the arrival of over 200 pupils from peripheral urban schools, made possible with the City of Split’s support, which made the opening merrier. In addition to representatives of the City and County, the event was attended by Director at Agency for Mobility and EU Programs, Antonija Gladović M.Sc., and State Secretary at Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports, prof. Nikola Mrvac, PhD.
Visitors could participate in numerous experiments related to biology, chemistry, oceanography, and meteorology. Science talks on the stage included assist. prof. Nebojša Lujanović, from undergraduate study Communication and Media, and assoc. prof. Eli Marušić, Faculty of Maritime Affairs, Split, along with Vesna Dobronić, biology and chemistry teacher in Split’s Science and mathematics high school.
Numerous EU projects were also presented.
The evening's great atmosphere was ensured by the hosts, Pinija Poljaković and Tomislav Primorac.

DUBROVNIK
Organized by University of Dubrovnik, Researchers’ Night took place in front of Students' Dormitory. Many visitors from Dubrovnik, more than 500, especially children and young people, had the opportunity to perform experiments, learn about the work of scientists from all University’s components, and discover more about practical use and science’s impact on everyday life. European Researchers’ Night is the main activity of project Reconnecting Science with Blue Society (Blue-connect 2.0), which aims to present latest scientific discoveries in an understandable and entertaining way, bring research closer to public, and demonstrate the impact science has on our daily lives.

See you next year, and until then you can look forward to many interesting activities in Blue-connect 2.0 project!