by Karola Szemán, Ádám Kiss, Mihály Mándi, Boldizsár Paladi-Kovács & Dr Balázs Vági

Researchers' Night is a popular scientific event that engages both visitors and exhibitors alike. In 2024, the event was held across 200 locations with an impressive lineup of 2,500 programs and 146 participating organizers. This exciting initiative aims to make science accessible to the public, blending education with entertainment.

Our research group, part of the Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology at the University of Debrecen, was thrilled to be a part of this year's event. On September 27, from 4 PM to 9 PM, we welcomed approximately 250 visitors to our department’s various stations. Our lab prepared five interactive activities for curious students and adults. These encompassed phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstruction and social evolution and ecology of shorebirds and ungulates. Typically, each task engaged 2-4 participants at a time, ensuring a personalized and interactive experience.

The activities were designed with a wide audience in mind, from young children to adults, so that everyone could find something enjoyable and informative. One of the key highlights this year was the significant participation of international students from the university, a fresh addition to our usual Hungarian audience. We were also delighted to see growing interest among university students in our thesis opportunities, reflecting the success of the event as not only a fun learning experience but also a platform for academic engagement.

Why Researchers' Night is Special

Researchers' Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with science in an engaging and informal setting. It's not just about showcasing scientific research but fostering curiosity and inspiration across generations. Whether it's interactive experiments, hands-on tasks, or fun demonstrations, participants leave with new knowledge and a fresh appreciation for the wonders of science.

For university students, events like these offer more than entertainment—they provide insight into potential research paths and career opportunities. For example, at our station, students could explore evolutionary zoology and human biology in ways that might ignite their interest in future research or academic pursuits.

This year's success reaffirms the importance of blending science with fun. It's clear that events like Researchers' Night are not only educational but also serve as a critical bridge between academia and the public, encouraging lifelong curiosity and learning.