With 303 researchers taking part, the University of Oviedo recorded a record turnout at this year’s Noche Europea de los Investigadores . On Friday, the university turned its premises in Oviedo and Gijón into an open laboratory, offering almost 100 activities at 50 stands. Venues included the Edificio Histórico in Oviedo and the Colegiata de San Juan Bautista in Gijón. According to the university, 169 women and 134 men took part in the activities.
The organisers emphasise that the record relates both to the number of participants and to the breadth of the programme. It featured interactive experiments, demonstrations from current research fields, and activities for school groups and families. The aim was to explain research in accessible, practical terms and lower the barriers to dialogue between science and the public. The university had expected a strong turnout and deliberately moved the events to central, easily accessible venues.
Noche Europea de los Investigadores is a Europe-wide science communication initiative held annually at the same time in numerous cities. The University of Oviedo has taken part in the initiative for years and says it has continually expanded its programme. In Asturias local institutions regularly contribute to the programme alongside the university. For this year’s edition, the university highlighted its collaboration with city partners and the provision of accessible activities.
The university regards the record as a visible success for its public engagement work. Specific follow-up measures – such as expanding certain formats or making additional activities permanent – will be considered after feedback has been assessed. The university plans to publish final visitor numbers, the themes of individual stands and any potential partnerships arising from discussions at the event once the assessment is complete. No differing figures from authorities or independent evaluations were initially available.
Events were also held in other Spanish cities that evening as part of Noche Europea de los Investigadores. In Asturias, however, the focus was clearly on the University of Oviedo’s two locations. In the organisers’ view, this year’s record underscores growing interest in direct exchange between research and society – and sets a benchmark for the university’s future editions.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).