Science and art brought vsitors of all ages to CPSBB for European Researchers’ Night 2026

Scientific experiments and demonstrations, children’s workshops, exhibitions, lectures, music, dance and design were all part of the European Researchers’ Night 2026 programme at CPSBB. The highlight of the initiative took place on 25 September, transforming the Centre’s research complex into an open space where scientists, children, students, artists and the general public met and interacted.

The programme brought science closer to the public in a comprehensible and interactive way through hands-on activities and direct encounters with researchers. Visitors had the opportunity to extract DNA from fruit, observe enzyme activity and protein detection in plant samples, explore medicinal and aromatic plants, and follow the process from digital design to the creation of a physical object using 3D printing. Creative and educational workshops were organised, including painting activities, planting and growing plants, and a “Young Electrician” workshop.

CPSBB’s long-standing partner, the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute in Plovdiv, took part with a dedicated stand showcasing the work of plant breeders and a variety of newly developed tomato and pepper cultivars. Among the breeding achievements presented were the “Mini Miss” cherry tomatoes and the “Baltovska Kapiya” pepper cultivar, both recognised this year in innovation and invention competitions. Visitors had the opportunity to talk to researchers about the development of new cultivars, diversity in vegetable crops, and the journey from scientific breeding to agricultural production.

One of the programme highlights was the discussion lecture “Living Business – How Cells, Science and Biotechnology Are Changing the World”, led by Petar Neftelimov and Yana Byalkova. Drawing a parallel between a living cell and a well-organised company, the discussion explored how complex biological systems function through the specialisation, coordination and interaction of their individual components, and how principles from science can be connected to entrepreneurial thinking.

A special place in the programme was given to “Photography Without Sight”, an exhibition by Dilyan Manolov – a psychologist, artist and photographer from Plovdiv who lost his sight at the age of 14. Manolov creates his photographs by perceiving space through his senses, drawing on information from people around him and using specialised technologies. During post-processing, he recreates his own perception of the place or person he has photographed. The exhibition featured 20 photographs and was adapted to be accessible to visually impaired visitors as well.

Another major highlight was the exhibition “The Universe Around Us”, featuring 20 photographs selected by a professional jury and the public as part of a photography competition organised by CPSBB and the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev”. The photographs explored the concept of the Universe in its broadest sense – from outer space and natural forms to light, people, the urban environment and details from the world around us. The selected works were presented during the event, and the competition winners received their awards.

A significant part of the programme focused on the connection between science and different forms of art. Students and lecturers from the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv presented the “Cosmos” fashion show, created by students from the Fashion Design programme; “Musical Universe”, performed by the Intro Quartet; and “Dance and Science”, a folklore programme presented by the Academy’s Academic Dance Ensemble. The programme also included the student exhibition “Traditions and Perspectives” and a presentation of academic publications by the Academy.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about the research projects carried out at CPSBB, opportunities for scientific careers and mobility through the European EURAXESS network, as well as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the Horizon Europe programme.

About European Researchers’ Night

European Researchers’ Night is an initiative aimed at bringing science and the work of researchers closer to the general public and encouraging young people’s interest in scientific careers. Through demonstrations, experiments, meetings with scientists and interactive activities, participants are given the opportunity to discover how scientific research relates to everyday life, technology and the development of society.

In Bulgaria, the initiative is implemented within the K-TRIO – Researchers in the Knowledge Triangle project (No. 101305404), funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA & Citizens). The programme across the country includes 170 events at 13 locations in Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Yambol and Burgas.

In Plovdiv, European Researchers’ Night 2026 was jointly organised by CPSBB and the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev”.