On 25 September, the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) hosted European Researchers’ Night 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the world of science and technology through hands-on activities. This year’s Researchers’ Night attracted approximately 28,000 visitors across Latvia, once again demonstrating that science can inspire people of all ages, especially when it can be explored interactively and experienced first-hand.
European Researchers’ Night took place across Latvia on the last Friday of September. Scientific institutions, universities and research organisations throughout the country opened their doors to the public, inviting visitors to explore laboratories, take part in experiments and hands-on activities, try out technologies and meet researchers.
EDI welcomed visitors from 17:00 to 21:00. The programme was designed to give children, young people, families and other science enthusiasts the opportunity not only to learn more about the institute’s research areas, but also to try out different technologies, take part in games and get a glimpse into researchers’ everyday work.
From Robotics to Artificial Intelligence
Robotics, artificial intelligence and smart technologies were among the main highlights of the event. The robotic dog attracted particular interest, allowing visitors to interact with it through a hands-on activity. Guided tours of EDI’s Robotics Laboratory and Energy Research Centre also gave visitors an insight into the institute’s research activities and technology development.
Visitors could also discover event-based camera technology, take part in an activity involving a quantum sensor and try various tasks related to electronics and artificial intelligence. One activity challenged participants to identify soil-dwelling insects and compete against an artificial intelligence solution, while another involved calculating the electrical resistance of a resistor.
BioPhoT and BoMUS-2: Science for Health and Quality of Life
Biomedical and photonics research also featured in the Researchers’ Night programme. EDI was one of seven scientific institutions across Riga where visitors could participate in the BioPhoT Biomedical and Photonics Innovation Platform’s orientation game. The game aimed to introduce the public to innovations developed by Latvian scientists in biomedicine, photonics, materials science, energy and other fields.
Participants could visit researchers’ stands, meet scientists and discover the future-oriented solutions being developed in Latvian laboratories. They received a stamp on their game cards for each project they visited and could claim a surprise prize after completing at least five sections of the game.
At EDI, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the BioPhoT project “Ultrasound Measurement System for Characterising Bones and Muscles” (BoMUS-2). The project aims to develop a portable ultrasound measurement system for characterising bones and muscles by combining ultrasound measurements with data analysis and artificial intelligence methods. During the demonstration, visitors could learn more about how the technology works and its potential applications in health assessment.
BioPhoT is an innovation platform implemented within Latvia’s long-term national research programme. It promotes collaboration between scientists, businesses and policymakers to develop new technological solutions and bring them closer to practical application. More information about the platform and its projects is available on the BioPhoT website.
LACISE Project Demonstrations: Drones, Hyperspectral Imaging, Artificial Intelligence and Energy Research
Visitors could also explore activities organised as part of the LACISE project, focusing on hyperspectral imaging, remote sensing and artificial intelligence solutions. In addition, visitors could join a guided tour of the Energy Research Centre, gaining a closer look at the research environment and the work carried out within the LACISE project.
Participants could view a drone, learn more about the capabilities of hyperspectral cameras and take part in an interactive game. A dedicated hyperspectral camera demonstration took place from 19:00 to 20:00. Another activity introduced visitors to the use of artificial intelligence to predict cloud conditions and the state of the sky.
These demonstrations showed how advanced imaging technologies, artificial intelligence and energy-related research can help gather information about the surrounding environment and support the development of solutions for practical applications.
Science Is Something to Explore and Experience
Alongside technology demonstrations and laboratory tours, EDI visitors could participate in games, hands-on challenges and creative activities, including colouring and drawing pictures related to the institute’s research areas. The varied programme offered different ways to discover science — by taking part in activities, watching technology demonstrations and talking directly with researchers.
European Researchers’ Night helps bridge the gap between science and society by showing that research is about more than theories and laboratory data. It also involves developing new technologies, solving practical problems and contributing to human health, safety and quality of life.
Thank you to all visitors, researchers, laboratory teams and colleagues who contributed to European Researchers’ Night 2026 at EDI and helped showcase the innovative solutions being developed at the institute!
Project No. IVPP-EM-Inovācija-2024/1-0002 “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products (BioPhoT)” is implemented within the framework of the long-term state research programme “Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Programme”, funded by the Ministry of Economics.