Researchers' Night

Researchers' Night offers a diverse and exciting programme with plenty to see, experience, and do for all ages – from the youngest family members to seniors. The event is open for all – welcome!

Event information

Time

Fri 26.09.2025 17:00 - 21:00

Venue location

University of Oulu, Linnanmaa campus (Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu, main door 2T) and the Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu (Kaitoväylä 5)

Location

Linnanmaa

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Researchers' Night is a multidisciplinary event for the whole family, offering a chance to explore the work of researchers and the role of science in our everyday lives.

At the University of Oulu’s Researchers' Night, you can dive into the world of science by taking part in workshops, exhibitions, and popular science talks. The programme includes a wide range of activities and experiences for all ages.

The event takes place at the Linnanmaa campus and the university’s Botanical Garden. The Potnapekka city train provides free transport between the campus and the garden from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Researchers' Night is a Europe-wide science celebration and the largest public science event in Finland, traditionally held on the last Friday of September. This year marks the eighth time the event is organised at the University of Oulu.

Programme at the Botanical Garden

Welcome to the Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu!
Our greenhouses, Romeo and Juliet, are open to the public. The experts from the Botanical Garden will be on hand to answer questions. Botanical Garden, Kaitoväylä 5.

The bug academy
Come and meet little bugs and great researchers! The bug academy will teach you about the lives of creepy-crawlies and insect research. Would you like to see the different developmental stages of ants or pupae of butterflies? How do we study the behaviour, ecology, genome and evolution of insects? Meet scientists and live bugs: ants and butterflies, and drop by the bug-drawing point to do some art! Science Garden, multifunctional space Sara, Kaitoväylä 5.

Visit a beehive!
Have you ever wondered what life is like inside a bee nest? Take a look into what's buzzing inside a real beehive through our special glass-walled bee nest. The beekeepers will tell you more about it and answer any questions related.You can also taste and buy honey made by our bees. You can find us in the lobby of the botanical gardens. Botanical Garden, Kaitoväylä 5

Making Biochar
Did you know that the "waste" twigs and brush produced during yard cleanup or landscape clearing can be turned into biochar—an excellent soil amendment? Thanks to its porous structure, biochar effectively absorbs and retains water and nutrients, while also providing a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms. When added to garden soil, for example, it can act as a kind of backup power source for plants, helping to reduce the need for watering. The carbon in the branches is locked into a very stable form in biochar and can remain in the soil for hundreds of years without breaking down—keeping it out of the atmosphere. So, making biochar is also a small everyday climate action!

A hands-on workshop will demonstrate how to make biochar from brushwood using a cone kiln. The workshop will also offer information on how biochar can be used as a soil conditioner in, for example, home gardens. The event is organized by the Hiilestä on moneksi (The Era of Biochar) project and the Association for Rural Culture and Education (Maaseudun Sivistysliitto) in collaboration with the Botanical Garden. Yard of the Botanical Garden

Potnapekka transports the public free of charge between campus (main entrance 2T) and Botanical Garden non-stop from 5pm to 9pm.

Workshops and demonstrations

Linnanmaa campus map (pdf)

Koneenkatu, near 2T entrance:

Digital Manufacturing at Mobile Fab Lab
Come to Fab Lab to experience the wonderful world of digital manufacturing. What useful things could you do with a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and UV printer? Fab Lab

Making robots move in narrow environments
Robotics is becoming an increasingly important part of our lives. Nowadays we can see wheeled robots doing practical tasks such as mowing lawns and delivering groceries. You might have witnessed that these types of robots are usually cautious and will refuse to go through narrow openings. This is a very sensible policy as it increases safety but also limits the robot's performance in cluttered environments. We at the University of Oulu have been developing new control algorithms to help wheeled robots move in such difficult situations. Come and see a demonstration with a real robot in. TF136–137

Energy from the atom – Try out a nuclear powerplant simulator
Nuclear energy is an important part of today's debate on our energy future, and the university, through its research and education activities, it is an active contributor and facilitator of this conversation.
In this interactive and educational demonstration, you can explore the inner workings of the next generation nuclear reactors. Through the use of a simulator, you get to see how the nuclear fuel is transformed in electricity and how such a process it is controlled. The workshop offers 4 guided demonstrations starting at 17.15, 18.15, 19.15 ja 20.15. Outside of demonstrations, the simulators are freely available, and the experts will answer any of your questions regarding the past, the present, and the prospective future of the energy industry. AT122

Popular science talk and discussion: Next-Generation Nuclear – Could It Play a Role in Finland’s Energy Future?
As Finland navigates its evolving energy landscape, could next-generation nuclear technologies play a role in meeting future demands? This talk provides an informative, balanced discussion on technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and their potential applications, from hydrogen production to data center energy supply. Join us to explore the possibilities, challenges, and emerging debates shaping Finland’s future energy decisions. University lecturer: Antonio Calò. There will be two sessions of the same lecture at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. AT 115B.

Can-tenna Workshop: Build Your Own DIY Antenna
In this hands-on mini workshop, participants will create a functioning antenna using just a can and a few simple materials. Guided by experts, you'll assemble your own "can-tenna". A fun and interactive way to explore the science behind radio waves and signal reception! AT119

Invisible Walls: What Blocks the Signal?- Interactive Demo
Description: Two antennas are set up a few meters apart and connected to special equipment. Dr. Mariella Särestöniemi will show how invisible signals travel and what happens when everyday things get in their way. Visitors can place objects like wood, paper, or toys—or even walk through the signal path—to see how these things can weaken the signal. The screen will show live results, letting everyone see how wireless signals can be blocked or slowed down by different materials. The demo uses safe, low-power signals you find in things like Wi-Fi. AT 146

6G Radio Imaging Showcase – 6G Radiolaatikko: Radio Box
Description: This proof-of-concept demonstrates future 6G capabilities by showing how high-frequency radio waves (sub-THz) can penetrate materials to detect hidden objects. Visitors can “look inside” cardboard boxes without opening them using imaging via signal attenuations. This links directly to emerging 6G research in wireless sensing and imaging. AT 146

Evening of archaeological finds
Archaeology studies people and cultures through material remains. Come and explore some archaeological finds and bones. In the workshop you can, among other things, compare old and modern artefacts, compare human and animal bones and learn about signs of disease in bones. You can also try how to 3D-document artefacts. Suitable for all ages. AT115A

Collaborative 3D Digital Twin Like Environment – 6G-XR Demo
Collaborative 3D Digital Twins bring teams together around shared assets—boosting productivity, bridging gaps, and enabling equal opportunities across regions. In this demonstration, an instructor and a remote user jointly review a pre-created 3D object in the DT environment. Once approved through this collaborative review, the object is 3D-printed in the real world for the remote user. AT117

Tellus:

Biobank Borealis – better health through research
Biobank studies are used to develop better treatments and diagnostics for illnesses. Come to learn about the biobank and the methods and daily grind of research. Crack the sample-picking puzzle and beat the pipetting challenge! Tellus Frost Club

Wish & Thanks – Art for the Common Good
Join a heartwarming workshop where creativity becomes a gift! Using artistic and imaginative methods, you'll express a wish or gratitude to a socially significant recipient – solo or with a loved one. No prior art experience needed – just an open heart and a spark of inspiration. The organizers will deliver the wishes and thank-you messages created in the workshop to the intended recipients. Tellus Aspire

Energy from the sun - from sunlight to electricity
How do solar panels work, how do snow, cloudiness and other factors affect energy collection in solar panels? Can we and is it worthwhile in the North to exploit solar energy year-round? Researchers from the Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group will present the function of solar panels to those interested in the issue. Tellus Horizon

Sensory Room
What would happen if you lost one of your senses? Why senses are so important to humans. In the Sensory Room, we will explore the different human senses and explore their role in life through hands-on experimentation. Tellus Backstage

Take part in the study – Share your experiences of urban darkness!
How do Oulu’s landscapes during the dark season appear to you? Join the international Art of Darkness as Cultural Heritage of Urban Landscape project by marking Oulu’s good and bad dark-time places on the map, or later by following a mobile app–guided walking route set by researchers to observe dark-time Pikisaari. The Art of Darkness project explores and develops the use and experience of cultural heritage sites during darkness in five European countries. The research material collected now will be used in an artistic lighting experiment, which will take place in Oulu’s Pikisaari as part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture events. Welcome to discuss light and darkness in cities with the project’s researchers! Tellus Avenue

Hidden voices light art installation
Step into the luminous world of Hidden Voices, an evocative light art installation created as a collaboration between the ARTiFAB project, artist John Collingswood, and Oulu city youth workshops. Hidden Voices brings to life the unseen stories of young people in Oulu. Each wooden box created by the youth using digital fabrication processes including 2D design, laser cutting, and electronics includes a portrait image that remains invisible until lit from within, symbolizing identities and narratives too often overlooked. This art installation invites visitors into a dialogue about visibility, belonging, and the power of creative expression. Hidden Voices challenges us to see and hear what is usually hidden—and to reflect on the voices that shape our community. Glass cube at the Tellus Lobby area

Main Lobby and Väylä:

Come and experience sitting in a formula car!
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sit in a formula car? Now you can fulfill that dream at Formula Student Oulu's stand, where they are displaying a formula-student class formula car designed, build and developed entirely by students. There will also be a driving simulator where you can drive a formula car in familiar F1 tracks! Technology lobby

Is AI safe?
Generative artificial intelligence is powerful, and its use could be entertaining. But is it safe? Does it tell the truth? Is it built ethically? Come and discuss with us about the other side of AI’s coin! Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

Women in Science
Can you name more female scientists other than Marie Curie? Join us in this journey to know more about women in science and their ground-breaking discoveries. The workshop can accommodate max 10 persons at the same time, and it will be continuous. The duration of the workshop is 10-15 min. Additionally, you will have the possibility to ask researchers about the fascinating world of research. Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

Heat Battery Educational Game
Design your heat battery. In the demonstration by OAMK Metapilot Factory and Heat Battery project you can modify the structure of a thermal energy storage. In the educational game, the capacity of a thermal energy storage can be illustrated for different applications such as houses or greenhouses. Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

Explore, experiment, and code – fun genetics for the whole family
The genome we’ve inherited affects many of our traits – so come and explore the mesmerizing world of genetics through fun activities! Come join us and make your own DNA-bracelet, challenge yourself in a genetics-themed quiz and test your coding skills as a genetics researcher. Welcome to acquaint yourself with the health genetics research conducted at the University of Oulu! Väylä, hallway in front of Tellus

MathStop – Mathematical Fun for All Ages
At MathStop, you can explore the fun world of mathematics through various games, brain teasers, and problem-solving activities. If you're looking for a game companion or need a hint to crack a challenge, our instructors are here to help. MathStop is open to everyone. L2

Feel the (Surface) Tension!
Put your steady hand to the test and explore the fascinating phenomenon of surface tension at the University of Oulu’s LUMA Centre activity booth! Use a pipette to carefully place drops of water onto a coin and join our light-hearted competition: who can keep the most drops on the coin before the surface gives in? Along the way, you'll learn how water molecules behave — fun and educational for all ages, including the youngest scientists! L2

Try It Out! Real-Time Work Machine Simulator
At this demonstration point, you can try out an excavator simulator. Test your skills in scooping gravel and maneuvering the machine. The simulator features a real-time, physics-based simulation model (mechanics, hydraulics, and soil) that replicates an actual work machine with its controls. The model can be used to study the behavior and loads of a machine before it is built, allowing different solutions to be tested and the best one selected during the design of new equipment. Researchers are also available to answer questions about mechanical engineering, machine design, as well as vehicle engineering and the work machine industry. Main lobby, near green coat racks.

Oulu2026
University of Oulu participates in creating an unforgettable European Capital of Culture year 2026. University's own 2026 culture programme includes traditional events with new twists as well as completely new activities. There are also plenty of other things to see and do for the whole family throughout the year across the wide Oulu2026 area, as Oulu and 39 municipalities join forces for the celebration. Drop by the university's Oulu2026 stand to hear more and already mark the most interesting events to your calendar! Main lobby, near green coat racks.

JOY - The University of Oulu's continuous learning offerings
The University of Oulu's continuous learning offerings support you at various stages of your career and during times of transition. Grounded in research, our courses provide opportunities to update and expand your expertise alongside work or other life commitments. Welcome to explore the study offerings! Main lobby, near green coat racks.

Smart and sustainable connections: light meets wireless
Researchers will present two different demonstrators showing how light and radio can be used to provide smart and sustainable connectivity in the future. You can virtually see how visible light from lamps are used to send information and energy to small electronic devices. In the first demo, several experiments will be shown, including how light can be used to wirelessly connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices, how batteryless IoT devices can be energized by light, and the concept of IoT that operates with both light and radio. In the second demo, researchers will demonstrate how light, in this case near-infrared light, can be used to send securely and safely information and energy to in-body implants. North end of the main lobby, near L1.

Jump into OuluBot’s adventures! What could the OuluBot of the future look like, and how could it help in your everyday life? Come and try out and develop the use of OuluBot together with others! In this pop-up workshop, you can test different ways of interacting with OuluBot, share your own wishes and ideas, and take part in fun (game-like) activities. The CityLabs workshop is organized by the UNIC Centre for City Futures together with the City of Oulu and Oulu Business School. KE1002, north end of the main lobby, near orange coat racks

Uncovering the Secrets of Tree Drinking Water
Would you like to know more about how trees take up water? This workshop introduces you the key process of the forest water cycle: tree transpiration, also known as ‘sap flow’. Facilitated by the diverse programme designs, no matter you are adults or children, you will learn about: (1) Why and when trees uptake water, (2) Which parts of trees are used to absorb, transport, and transpire water, and (3) How much water trees drink. North end of the main lobby, near L5 and L6.

Come. Fly. See. – Drone technology that views the world from a new perspective
Step into the airspace of the future! OAMK's Smart and Sustainable Aviation research program presents drone and sensor technology, 3D-scanned models, and simulator experiences that bring the sky within reach: See through the eyes of a thermal camera, fly virtually with a simulator or dive into drone video footage, and explore the structure of the forest through scanned data and meshes. North end of the main lobby, near L5 and L6. You can come and watch the drone flight in hall L1 at 6-7pm.

The Cloud Chamber
The cloud chamber is a detector for ionizing radiation. It allows the visualization of ionizing radiation present in the environment, making it visible to the human eye. The cloud chamber does not produce ionizing radiation; it merely illustrates the background radiation already present around us in a way that can be seen. Come and explore how the cloud chamber works! Next to Virransilta, near lecture halls L5 and L6

Sustainable future through research
Come and discover the wonderful world of I4WORLD researchers! I4WORLD researchers will demonstrate how they are working together to build a sustainable future through research. In this workshop, you can learn about the diverse methods of imaging and characterisation. You will, for example, experience what is magic wet cement, explore diverse roles of trees in everyday life and how AI is used in Biodiversity and Cancer Research. I4WORLD scientists will be there to answer your questions! L8 and L9

Geokatu:

Digital Technology from Every Angle – Now with a Focus on AI!
Step into the world of intelligent technology in our diverse workshop! Explore artificial intelligence through hands-on activities and experiments. Come say hello to the Nao robot or challenge the whole family with the fun AI game Quick, Draw! Try to guess whether images or texts were created by humans or AI, or explore algorithm auditing – give short prompts to an image generator or language model and see if you can spot signs of bias, such as gender stereotypes. This workshop is suitable for all ages – from kids to adults – so come and discover your own way to get excited about technology! YL124

Minerals: Journey from the Earth’s Depths to Products
Have you ever wondered where the materials in your phone or bike came from? At Researchers’ Night with Oulu Mining School, you’ll discover all stages of the travel of minerals from the Earth's depths to the things we use every day. Together, we’ll explore the key stages of mineral exploration and how they are found, how they are mined and how they are processed into useful materials for us. You’ll become yourself a geoscientist, exploring the model of a geological environment by real geophysical and geological methods, as well as identifying rocks and minerals you will find there. If you have any rocks or minerals at home, you are welcome to bring them along. Our experts will help you figure out what rocks they are! M101

Prosessinkatu:

Boost your garden with biochar!
Do you recognize the valuable material in your garden? Come and discover your raw material, which can be used to make valuable products efficiently and environmentally friendly. The workshop will introduce the production of bio-based carbons, and you can try them in barley growing. You will find out more about the valuable recyclable materials in your garden and how to produce a carbon suitable for soil improvement. Visit also the biochar production workshop in the Botanical Garden! PR101

Cosmic rays in the Space Climate!
Cosmic rays are constantly flowing through you! Cosmic rays from outer space arriving at Earth will collide with atmospheric particles, which causes particle showers that fall down to Earth. The Sun's magnetic activity affects the space climate and cosmic rays through the 11-year solar cycle and different types of solar eruptions. Come and learn about cosmic rays, neutron monitors and Solar activity variation & effects. From the Space Weather screen you can follow the current cosmic radiation, solar activity and aurorae. There is also a Sun & Space themed crafts and drawing spot. PR102

UNIC Centre for City Futures -workshop KW 1002

Kemiankatu:

Interactive Tech Teamwork Stations
Join us for an exciting evening of discovery and play at LeaF! Explore four interactive teamwork stations that combine laughter, storytelling, movement, and creativity with technologies like robots and AI assistants. These workstations are conducted in multiple languages by international master students specializing in learning and educational technology. Get ready to have fun! LeaF Research Infrastructure, KTK103

Laugh Lines
Can laughter be measured? Sit down with a friend or family member and share a joyful moment - tell a joke, make funny faces, add silly sounds, show a fun video, or simply try to make each other smile. As you laugh, our skin conductivity sensor and BioTrace software will track your emotional responses in real time. Watch your laughter come to life on screen and take home a special printout of your shared happiness.
Pixelopolis
Welcome to the colorful world of pixels! Ever wondered how computers create images? Bob the computer has some fun challenges to help you find out. Solve riddles, collaborate and "mix" colours in a game of Twister, and craft your own pixelated images to take home with you! If you get stuck somewhere along the way, don't worry - Bob’s AI assistant, RAI, is ready to guide you every step of the way!
F.U.N. Fitness
Get ready to move, dance, and laugh together! In this active challenge, you’ll boost your energy, and groove to the beat with simple, playful movements - no dance experience needed. Team up with family or friends to create a stop-motion video of your moves, turning fitness into a creative celebration. The goal? To connect through movement, get your heart pumping, and most of all - have fun!
Sparky the Story Robot
Meet Sparky, our AI-powered storytelling robot who’s excited to hear your creative tales! Start by designing your own story prompt board, then share your story with Sparky as he listens and tries to guess the kind of ending you've imagined. Collaborate with friends and with AI while having fun and exploring the magic of storytelling.

Programme at Tellus Stage: Citizens Engaged in Science

Location: Tellus Stage

18:00 Health Research Across the Lifespan (in Finnish)

The Northern Finland Birth Cohorts are groups of people whose health has been studied to help researchers understand an individual’s risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases or musculoskeletal disorders. The goal of this extensive multidisciplinary research is to promote public health and well-being. Research data has been collected at regular intervals from over 20,000 cohort members, as well as from their parents.

The interview will feature Merja Kantola, a hairdresser who has participated in health studies for those born in 1966 throughout her life.

18:25 AI Agent as a Learning Aid in Lower Secondary School (in Finnish)

The University of Oulu has developed an AI agent named Mai, which worked with 7th-grade students at Ritaharju School in physics for a month. "Mai" stands for metacognitive AI agent. The AI helps students recognize the challenges they face in their current work and find ways to move forward. This unique and internationally significant research investigates the role of AI agents in supporting learning skills.

What did the students think about the support provided by the agent, and what results did the research yield? The topic will be presented by Academy Research Fellow Joni Lämsä and Doctoral Researcher Anni-Sofia Roberts.

18:50 Citizens Reported Dead Pink Salmon (in Finnish)

The invasive pink salmon species enters rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean in odd-numbered years. The fish die after spawning, leaving large amounts of rotting carcasses in the rivers. As a result, nutrient levels in these rivers have increased significantly, but the species living in northern rivers are adapted to scarcity. In 2023, researchers asked the public to report where these carcasses accumulate.

Citizen science helped determine the types of environments where the carcasses pile up. Doctoral Researcher Aino Erkinaro will explain how the changes caused by the carcasses are affecting northern river ecosystems.

19:15 What Do We See from Our Windows? Discovering Biodiversity Around Us (in English)

Many people enjoy watching animals and plants through their windows at home while drinking their morning coffee or passing the time during long polar nights. It can be wonderful to see hares feeding on the lawn or birds visiting the feeder. Yet few of us can say how many different species of living organisms share our surroundings in the yard or even inside our homes.

Visiting Researcher Mykyta Peregrym invites you to explore how we can document biodiversity around our homes, learn more about our environment, and contribute to biodiversity research – all with the help of the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or computer.

19:40 Track coastal pollution in the Arctic through Citizen Science

From tiny plastic fragments to chemical run-off, pollution is threatening Arctic coasts and the Arctic waters they connect to. Researchers join forces with citizens and communities in Iceland, Greenland, and Svalbard to find out what kinds of pollution are present, where they come from, and how they spread. Using drone flights, time-lapse cameras, beach litter surveys and clean-ups, and interactive online maps, local residents, fishers, hunters, youth, and community groups collect data that scientists could never gather alone. The Horizon Europe ICEBERG Project Leader Thora Herrmann will share how citizen science is helping uncover hidden pollution patterns, filling data gaps, informing policy, and helping protect the fragile marine Arctic environment.