European Researchers' Night 2026
The Great E³UDRES² Showcase Contest
The Great E³UDRES² Showcase Contest celebrates student-driven projects, research, or initiatives that have the potential to turn into an interactive experience for the public. As part of the European Researchers’ Night 2026 in St. Pölten, we invite students from across the E³UDRES² Alliance to present their ideas in a new and engaging way. This year’s programme is built around S.P.A.C.E. – Science & Public Awareness through Creative Exploration, an approach that places science directly into the spaces we live in, shape, and explore together. With this contest, we are looking for students who are ready to translate their work into an interactive format that speaks to a broad audience.
What you can submit
We are seeking projects that can be presented during the European Researchers’ Night on 25 September in St. Pölten and actively involve visitors. Your idea should move beyond a traditional presentation. Instead, think of how your project could become an experience—something people can explore, interact with, or even take part in. This could take the form of a booth, an installation, a live demonstration, a performance, or any other creative format that invites participation.
All submissions must relate to one (or more) of the four S.P.A.C.E. dimensions:
Linking science to individual lives and wellbeing
focusing on shared environments and communities
exploring global, planetary, or space-related perspectives
bridging science with art and imagination
Eligibility
The contest is open to all students (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels) from partner institutions within the E³UDRES² Alliance. Students can apply on their own or as a team. Please note that a maximum of 2 people will be able to participate in person at the St. Pölten European Researchers’ Night. The topic can be about any project, research, initiative, activity, or performance that aligns with the topic of S.P.A.C.E.
Application Process
To take part in The Great E³UDRES² Showcase Contest, students are invited to submit a proposal that clearly presents their idea and how it can be transformed into an engaging experience for the public. Applications should communicate both the content of the project and the format in which it will be presented during the European Researchers’ Night. The focus is not only on what you want to show, but also on how you will involve and interact with visitors.
Your submission should include:
· A short description of your project or idea in which you explain the proposed format (e.g. interactive booth, installation, performance) as well as the selected S.P.A.C.E. dimension(s) and justification.
· An outline of materials and technical requirements for the establishment of your showcase.
Applicants are free to choose the format of their submission. This can include a written concept, a short video, visual material, or a combination of formats. Creative approaches are strongly encouraged, as long as the idea and its implementation are clearly understandable.
📆 All applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026.
Selected participants will be notified in advance and will receive further guidance on preparing their showcase for the event in St. Pölten.
Selection Criteria
We are looking for original and creative ideas that are showcased in a fresh and imaginative way. This can include novel concepts, unexpected perspectives, or unique approaches to communicating science.
Strong proposals actively involve the audience. This means creating an experience where visitors can participate, explore, or contribute, rather than simply observe. The more interactive and engaging your concept is, the stronger it will be.
Your project should clearly connect to one (or more) of the S.P.A.C.E. dimensions. We will assess how well your idea aligns with the chosen SPACE and how convincingly this connection is communicated within your concept.
Awarded Showcase
The best application will be able to bring their idea to life and showcase it during the European Researchers’ Night in St. Pölten on the 25th of September 2026. The winner(s) will work hands-on with the organizers of the event towards the establishment of their showcase.
In addition, the winning student(s) will:
receive a monetary prize of €500*, along with a personalized award acknowledging their achievement,
gain visibility through EUDRES² communication platforms, including news articles, newsletters, and a dedicated interview on the UniWaves podcast,
connect with researchers and innovators from across the EUDRES² Alliance, expanding their network and gaining insight into international collaboration,
become part of a Horizon Europe / MSCA initiative and gain valuable experience in designing and delivering impactful science communication formats.
* Travel and accommodation expenses could possibly be covered by the winners’ home institution (partially or fully). For details, please come in contact with the E³UDRES² team of your institution.
Any questions?
Get in touch with us through our contact form or write to your local E³UDRES² team.