Festival of Science and Curiosity

Programme

Discover science

Explore science through encounters with researchers and the people behind the science, interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and engaging events that spark curiosity and conversation.

From 3 to 10 pm, we open our doors for an afternoon and evening packed with discovery, creativity, and hands-on activities for all ages and backgrounds.

Science up close

Meet researchers all around the campus, sharing their work and engaging directly with you. Explore the EMBL exhibition and research spaces to see where scientists work. Ask questions, join guided tours, and discover how science is part of everyday life.

Discover, create, explore and be curious

Try out hands-on activities where science, creativity, and curiosity come together. Solve puzzles, take part in escape room games, and attend workshops that bring research to life.

Where science meets art

Our programme goes beyond scientific research, featuring artistic installations and “The Theatre of Curiosity”, where ideas and discoveries take center stage.

Something for Everyone

No matter what language you speak or how you experience the world – you’re welcome here! Enjoy activities in multiple languages and “quiet time” for those who need a quieter environment to enjoy our Festival.

The event is aimed at visitors of all ages, with many activities particularly suitable for families and children aged 8+ while remaining accessible to younger children accompanied by adults.

Unlock the secrets of life

Tour the exciting exhibition “The World of Molecular Biology”, guided in multiple languages. Peak into the hidden structures of life at the Imaging Centre’s Microscopy Hub with workshops and live demonstrations.

Spark Your Curiosity

Don’t miss Merck’s Curiosity Cube™, a high-tech, interactive space where young minds (and the young at heart!) can experiment, explore and be amazed.

Fuel Your Mind & Body

Grab a bite to eat, relax with your family and friends, and soak up the buzz of the Festival on the beautiful EMBL campus.

The full programme will be available soon.

Your visit

How to get here

Shuttle bus
A free bus will run every 30 minutes from 3.30 pm to 10.30 pm

Shuttle bus stops

• Heidelberg Central Station
• Hans-Böckler-Straße bus stop near Rohrbacher Str. 22 
• Alois-Link-Platz
• EMBL

Shuttle bus schedule is available for download.

Public transport
Public bus line 28 drives directly to EMBL Campus (bus stop “EMBL”)

Car
Free Parking available in the Parking Garage 1

Bike
Bike parking available on campus

Accessibility
Information will be available soon

Please note: Children and adolescents aged 15 and under may only attend the Festival if accompanied by an adult.

Curiosity CubeTM

At the European Researchers’ Night, everyone – especially our young explorers – gets to roll up their sleeves and experience hands-on science through exciting experiments. Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ mobile science lab travels across North America, Europe, and Southern Africa, increasing access to hands-on science opportunities in communities around the world. The company’s local employees serve as volunteers and role models, showcasing the diversity of the STEM workforce and inspiring young students by showing them that scientists all over the world, who look just like them, are working to create a better tomorrow.

The Curiosity Cube™  isn’t just a space, it’s a hands-on science adventure designed to SPARK™ curiosity in the next generation of scientists. Research shows that early exposure like this helps children see themselves as future scientists, especially those who might not otherwise have access to cutting-edge learning.

Equipped with the latest technology, the Curiosity Cube™ provides a learning environment that allows visitors of all ages to become immersed in specific science topics. Step inside, and you’re not just a visitor, you’re a scientist! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in hands-on science experiments, explore new technologies, and let your curiosity run wild. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions, make discoveries, and see what science is really all about!

Easy read

When?

25. September 2026
3 pm to 10 pm

Where?

The Festival is at the EMBL campus in Heidelberg.

Address
Meyerhofstraße 1
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

How do I get to the Festival?

Shuttle bus
A free shuttle bus will run from Bismarckplatz and Heidelberg Central Station to EMBL.
Click for the Shuttle bus schedule.

Bus
Bus number 28 goes directly to EMBL.

Car
Free parking is available.

Bicycle
There are bicycle parking spaces on the campus.

Accessibility
More accessibility information will be available soon.

Who is the Festival for?

Everyone is welcome.
You can be young or old.
You do not need to know anything about science.

What can I do?

• You can discover science.
• There are many hands-on activities.
• You can do simple experiments.
• There are live demonstrations and other exciting activities.
• You can join guided tours.
• You can see where scientists work.
• You can visit the exhibition “The World of Molecular Biology.”
• You can enjoy theatre performances and art.

Quiet Hour

There is a Quiet Hour.
It is for people who need a calm and quiet space.
The Quiet Hour is from 3 pm to 4 pm.

It takes place in the Imaging Centre (the building with the exhibition).

Mobile Laboratory

You can visit the Curiosity Cube™ from Merck.
It is a mobile laboratory inside a converted shipping container.
You can take part in fun science experiments.

Food and drinks

You can buy food and drinks at the Festival.

About the Festival

The event is called the Festival of Science and Curiosity.

It takes place in Heidelberg.

The Festival is part of the European Researchers’ Night 2026.

European Researchers’ Night happens every year.
It started in 2005.
Many cities across Europe take part.

Research institutes and universities across Europe open their doors to visitors.
They invite everyone to learn more about science and research.

The aim is simple:
Science is part of everyday life.
Science is for everyone.

Who organises the Festival?

The Festival is organised by EMBL and Merck.

EMBL
EMBL stands for the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.
It is an international research organisation.
Scientists at EMBL study how living things work.

Merck
Merck is a global science and technology company.
Its work includes:

• Healthcare
• Life Science
• Electronics

Working together
EMBL and Merck work together because good science needs teamwork.
Together, we can achieve more.

Media kit

The media kit will be available here soon.

About

European Researchers’ Night 2026: Science for Everyone 

The Festival of Science and Curiosity, is a European Researchers’ Night event in Heidelberg that will bring science and research to life through an inspiring, accessible programme of free events. Our region is diverse and so is our Festival! We are planning a range of multilingual activities and experiences to help make the Festival welcoming to as many people as possible. Check back when the full programme is published to discover the different languages and activities on offer. Join us at the Festival – let’s be curious together!

Every year, scientific institutions across Europe open their doors and welcome the public to experience the diversity, excitement and relevance of modern research. Since 2005, European Researchers’ Night has showcased the breath of European research and innovation, bringing science out of the lab and into society for one evening each year and connecting researchers and citizens of all ages. European Researchers’ Night aims to show that science is part of our everyday lives and open to everyone.

The European Researchers’ Night is a pan-European event funded by the European Union to bring science and society closer and heighten young people’s interest in science. The European Researchers’ Night takes place in 40 countries and more than 460 cities all over Europe and beyond simultaneously.

About us

The Festival of Science and Curiosity – European Researchers’ Night 2026 is jointly organised by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), a research laboratory for molecular biology and Merck, global science and technology company in the fields of health, life sciences, and electronics. Together, we welcome you to explore want to create an  experience that showcases science in its many forms from basic research to industrial innovation. Our partnership demonstrates how science advances through cooperation and shared commitment.