European Researchers’ Night 2025 will take place in Pavia on Friday, 26 September 2025, as part of the SHARPER project – SHAring Researchers’ Passion for Education and Rights. SHARPER is a network connecting 15 Italian cities and over 180 partners, including universities, research centers, associations, and schools. The initiative aims to bring citizens of all ages closer to the world of research through immersive and engaging experiences based on curiosity, observation, and direct dialogue with researchers.

A rich, inclusive, and engaging program

The calendar of events in Pavia will be particularly diverse, with activities designed for children, young people, families, and adults—all united by researchers’ passion for discovery and innovation. Among the highlights:

• The Mysteries of Human Language – Monday, 22 September 2025, 9:00 p.m., at the IUSS Pavia headquarters. A talk by Professor Matteo Greco, linguist, who will guide the audience on a fascinating journey into the complexity and beauty of human language—a tool that connects us and makes us unique. Open to all, free admission.
• Science in the Courtyard – Friday, 26 September, at the Central Palace of the University of Pavia: workshops, exhibitions, science games, lectures, performances, and interactive activities to engage with researchers and discover their work.
• Star Party “Observing the Sky over Pavia” – organized by IUSS in the courtyard of the Broletto (Piazza della Vittoria), Saturday, 27 September at 9:00 p.m. A unique opportunity to observe stars, planets, and galaxies through telescopes and images from the most powerful space observatories. Free admission, booking recommended.
• Researchers@School – an initiative bringing science directly into schools during the academic year, featuring national projects such as Sumo Science, Unlikely Research, Budding Researchers, Sharper Chef, and Research Show, enriched with activities specifically designed for the city of Pavia.
• Talks, workshops, and thematic exhibitions – from memory and sustainable agriculture to chromotherapy and robotics, with additional focus on integration and sustainability.

A moment of discovery and participation

The Researchers’ Night in Pavia will be an inclusive and inspiring event, designed to spark curiosity and wonder. Children and adults alike will be able to experience science in a hands-on, participatory way: through scientific puzzles, collaborative games, experiments, talks, and the thrill of observing the night sky.

An event for everyone, to get closer to research and discover how science illuminates our daily lives.

For more information on Pavia, check the general SHARPER Night page