25 September 2026
European Researcher's Night
Meet the scientists behind the next generation of antivirals. Join AVITHRAPID for an evening of discovery, dialogue, and hands-on science.
What is European Researchers' Night?
European Researchers’ Night is an EU-wide public engagement initiative funded by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). Held simultaneously in cities across Europe, it brings researchers directly to the public through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and open conversations – no scientific background required.
AVITHRAPID takes part in this initiative to open the doors of antiviral research to everyone. Through live demonstrations and direct dialogue with our scientists, visitors can discover how computational biology and drug discovery are shaping Europe’s response to future viral threats.
Where to Find Us - Cities & Topics
Trieste, Italy | 25 September, 9 PM-12 AM | Trieste NEXT 2026 - SHARPER La Notte dei Ricercatori
AVITHRAPID – Discover how synchrotron light helps develop new antiviral drugs!
How can scientists study viruses at the atomic level? And how can this knowledge help develop new antiviral drugs? In the AVITHRAPID project, researchers combine advanced technologies and scientific expertise to accelerate the discovery of new antivirals.
During four dedicated sessions for high school students, Elettra researchers will present the AVITHRAPID project and explain how a new antiviral drug is developed. In particular, students will discover how viral proteins are studied using synchrotron light, allowing scientists to observe them at the atomic level, identify their vulnerabilities, and use this knowledge to support the development of new drugs.
The activity will also be open to the general public on 25 September, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM in Piazza Unità. Visitors can explore the research and take part in a quiz with prizes.
Rome, Italy | 25 September, 6 PM–12 AM | La Notte dei Ricercatori e delle Ricercatrici
AVITHRAPID – Bringing antiviral research closer to everyone!
How are new antiviral drugs discovered? And how can research help us prepare for future viral threats? At Researchers’ Night in Rome, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the world of science and discover how projects like AVITHRAPID contribute to the development of new antiviral solutions.
Hosted at INMI Spallanzani, the event will feature 34 interactive laboratories, immersive experiences, games, and science activities for visitors of all ages. AVITHRAPID will contribute to the event’s communication and public engagement activities, bringing its research closer to the public in an accessible and engaging way.
Admission is free and open to everyone.
Siena, Italy | 25 September | La Notte dei Ricercatori e delle Ricercatrici
Cloister of San Peter’s Abbey, Perugia, Italy | 25 September, 6 PM-12 AM
The ‘Milky Way’ against pandemics: from EV to antivirals
As part of the research and outreach activities of the AVITHRAPID project, the role of milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) will be presented, highlighting their biological properties, therapeutic potential, and their application as innovative drug delivery systems. In particular, participants will learn how these vesicles can be fused with appropriately engineered liposomes to generate hybrid nanoparticles capable of delivering antiviral agents to specific cellular targets.
To make these concepts accessible and engaging for a broad audience, interactive 3D models of extracellular vesicles, liposomes, and hybrid nanoparticles will be printed. The models will be designed to be disassembled into their main biological components, such as RNA, proteins, and lipid membranes, enabling participants to visualize and better understand the structure and function of each element.
Through a hands-on and playful approach, children, teenagers, and adults will be able to interact directly with these models by taking them apart and reassembling them, gaining insight into how the different components contribute to the performance of targeted delivery systems and the controlled release of therapeutic agents. A descriptive and didactic video will be also displayed to explain all the above mentioned aspects to target adults and kids.
This activity will help bring the public closer to the fields of nanomedicine and biotechnology, promoting a greater understanding of emerging strategies adopted in the AVITHRAPID project for the treatment of viral infections and the development of next-generation antiviral therapies.
Ostrava, Czech Republic | 25 September, 5-10 PM | Noc vědy 2026 - IT4Innovations
AVITHRAPID – Discover how supercomputers help find new antiviral drugs!
How can we stop a virus? And can a new drug be discovered with the help of a supercomputer? In the AVITHRAPID project, we combine computational biology, chemistry, and experimental research to accelerate the discovery of new antivirals.
At our stand, we will show how scientists use computer simulations to identify sites where a drug molecule could bind and how they verify their predictions experimentally. Visitors will see real simulations and have the opportunity to become molecular detectives. Children can explore the story of antiviral drug development through a comic, other activities, and a game in which they can test both their knowledge and agility.
Tours, France | La Fete de la Science | 10-11th of October | INSERM U1259 - MAVIVHe
From 2 to 12 October 2026, immerse yourself in the Fête de la Science and enjoy a wide range of free events throughout the Centre-Val de Loire region.
Whether you come with family, friends, your class or on your own, get ready to be amazed by experiments, encounters and discoveries accessible to everyone. Whether you are curious, passionate about science or simply looking for an original day out, there is something for every age and interest!
Meet scientists from across the region, explore the world behind the scenes of research and take part in a rich and varied programme featuring science villages, interactive workshops, shows, conferences, laboratory visits, activities, exhibitions and many other surprises.
Experiment, connect, ask questions and share the joy of discovering science!
Jardins do Palácio do Marquês, Oeiras, Portugal | 25 September, 4 PM to 6 PM | Noite Europeia dos Investigadores.
How to protect the brain from infections using broad spectrum antiviral drugs?
Some viruses can infect the brain, but treating these infections is challenging because many medicines cannot reach it. Miguel Castanho’s lab, at the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), is developing broad-spectrum antivirals (medicines that can act against several different viruses) that can reach the place where they are needed in the body—even to challenging locations such as the brain.
Through European initiatives such as AVITHRAPID, this research contributes to efforts to discover antiviral treatments faster and prepare for future viral outbreaks.
Discover the science behind the cure
Play, test your knowledge and learn!
Stay Updated |
Want to know about future events and research milestones? Subscribe to the AVITHRAPID newsletter and never miss an update.