ViroiDoc at the European Researchers' Night 2026 across Europe

ViroiDoc joined the European Researchers' Night 2026 with public engagement activities in Slovenia, Italy, and Greece, showcasing research careers, plant health, and the science of viroids.

On 25 September 2026, ViroiDoc partners participated in the European Researchers' Night with outreach activities in Slovenia, Italy, and Greece, bringing science closer to students, researchers, and the wider public. Through interactive demonstrations, discussions, and educational activities, visitors gained insights into plant health research, viroids, and scientific careers.

Exploring research careers and viroids in Ljubljana

At the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, visitors took part in the event Rhythms of Research Careers: International Mobility for Students and Researchers, exploring the opportunities and benefits that international mobility offers throughout a research career. The event encouraged dialogue between students, early-stage researchers, experienced scientists, and a representative of the European Commission, EURES, and MSCA NCP Slovenia, highlighting the value of international collaboration in addressing today's scientific and societal challenges.

ViroiDoc MSCA doctoral candidate Octave Lacroix (IHPS) participated in the round-table discussion, sharing his experience of conducting research in an international environment and reflecting on the opportunities and professional development provided through the MSCA programme. The discussion offered participants a range of perspectives on international mobility, from the experiences of researchers to the broader objectives of European research and innovation initiatives.

To further support prospective mobile researchers, a leaflet was developed in collaboration with NIB, providing practical information on mobility opportunities and the support environment available to students and researchers pursuing international research careers.

Earlier in the day, visitors at Prešeren Square discovered the fascinating world of viroids through the interactive activity When the viroids in the lemonade find their groove. Through engaging demonstrations and discussions with researchers, participants learned about these unique plant pathogens and their impact on agriculture. The event also attracted media attention and was featured on the radio programme Val 202 in the segment Lov na skriti gen se lahko začne (The hidden gene hunt begins, 5:54-7:03, in Slovene), prepared by journalist Maja Ratej and broadcast on 26 September.

Discovering plant health in Bari

In Bari, Italy, the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP), welcomed visitors of all ages to the event Di sana pianta! Una notte per far germogliare la Ricerca.

Throughout the day, participants explored the hidden world of plant health by observing plant-associated bacteria, fungi, and parasites under the microscope. Visitors also learned about viroids through an interactive poster presented by Fabio D'Alessandro and Vjeko Hrabar, ViroiDoc MSCA fellows, and tested their knowledge with the educational game Healthy as a Plant (Di sana pianta), which follows a crop through different stages of its life cycle.

The activities offered a unique opportunity to discuss plant science, plant health, and the role of research in addressing societal and agricultural challenges.

Sharing science with the public in Crete

At the University of Crete, Greece, ViroiDoc doctoral candidate Lena Michailidou took part in the European Researchers' Night alongside researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines. Through hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, visitors of all ages had the opportunity to explore the research taking place behind laboratory doors and engage directly with scientists.

The event provided an inspiring platform to make research more accessible, encourage curiosity, and showcase how scientific discoveries contribute to everyday life and future innovation.

Bringing science closer to society

The European Researchers' Night once again demonstrated the value of direct interaction between researchers and society. Through hands-on activities, educational games, and open discussions, visitors in Ljubljana, Bari, and Crete gained a better understanding of scientific research, research careers, and the importance of plant health.

We thank everyone who participated, shared their curiosity, and helped make science accessible, engaging, and relevant to local communities.

Browse the photo gallery below for highlights from the events in Ljubljana, Bari, and Crete.

The in Slovenia activities were organised in cooperation with the Rhythm of Life MSCA Citizen project coordinated by the National Institute of Biology, and researchers from Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing (IHPS).