The European Researchers' Night, back today

Over 1 200 people participated last Wednesday at the event organised by the European Commission to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the European Researchers' Night. Tonight, 280 cities in Europe and beyond will offer, simultaneously, science experiments and shows to kids, young people and adults.

A special event, Science is wonder-ful, took place last Wednesday in Brussels to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the European Researchers' Night. More than 1 250 people, including approximately 650 students, participated in hands-on scientific experiments and learnt about some of the most interesting inventions in recent decades such as medical imagery, the birth control pill, mobile telephony and animal cloning.

Around 50 researchers, mainly funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), came from 20 different countries to showcase their work. The event was organised by the European Commission.

The 'big night' will be today when 280 cities in Europe and beyond celebrate, simultaneously, as in previous years, the European Researchers' Night.

At the Tallinn City Museum, in Estonia, the public can learn how to make masks to protect themselves from infectious diseases. In Poznan, Poland, car race enthusiasts will see how a Formula 1 car is built. And the Public Library in Birmingham, in the UK, will allow visitors to generate their own hologram and take it home with them.

These are some of the science activities foreseen. See the map of events and attend an event near you.

The European Researchers' Night has taken place every year, on the last Friday of September, since 2006. It offers citizens a unique opportunity to meet researchers and take part in science activities aiming to showcase what researchers do for society and inspire students to pursue a scientific career.

The European Researchers' Night 2014-15 - this is the first time the projects selected have been funded over two years- is supported with € 8m of funding under the MSCA.