The activities will be organised within the framework of the PICO (PhysICs fOr all) project, an EU-funded initiative to increase public awareness of fundamental physics and its societal impact, with a specific focus on equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion.(https://picoproject.eu )

IFAE will contribute to a programme of public events running from 22 to 26 September 2025 , designed for a broad audience and addressing topics such as particle physics, cosmology, and quantum science. The programme will combine hands-on workshops, interactive demonstrations, and cross-disciplinary activities that connect science with culture.

The week will begin on 22 September with Universe Brick by Brick, a creative workshop using LEGO pieces to explore the origins and evolution of the Universe in an accessible and playful way. On 25 September, IFAE will organise Cosmic Horror: Physics & Literature, an event that will explore the connections between fundamental physics and speculative literature in an informal setting.

The main European Researchers’ Night activities will take place on 26 September. Highlights will include Science & Songs, a multidisciplinary performance combining music, storytelling, and visuals to reflect on the history of the Universe, hosted at Casa Golferichs. In parallel, the Quantum Universe for Everyone workshop at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona will invite participants to engage with key concepts in quantum physics, particle physics, and cosmology through interactive experiences.

The PICO project brings together a diverse consortium of research institutions and science organisations across Europe, including:

• Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis (AUTH) – Project Coordinator (Greece)
• Ellinogermaniki Agogi Scholi Panagea Savva AE (EA) (Greece)
• Ethniko Asteroskopeio Athinon (NOA) (Greece)
• European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) (Italy/France)
• Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) (Italy)
• Trust-IT Services (Communication & dissemination partner)
• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) (France)
• Instituto de Física de Altas Energías (IFAE-CERCA) (Spain)

European Researchers’ Night is an annual initiative held simultaneously across Europe on the last Friday of September, with the goal of promoting scientific culture, showcasing the impact of research on everyday life, and fostering closer connections between researchers and the public.