Researchers' Night 2025 at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, was exceptional in many ways. This year's theme – " The Wealth" – offered visitors a varied program full of lectures, science shows, excursions, virtual reality, and test drives of student formula cars. And because the event symbolically concluded the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the faculty's foundation, the faculty was literally lit up – and could be seen from far away.

Science as an experience

Researchers' Night is a nationwide popularization event aimed at breaking down stereotypes about scientists as introverted personalities hidden away in laboratories. It shows that scientists are ordinary people whose work has a real impact on our daily lives – and that they can present it in an entertaining and engaging way.

All faculty institutes and student teams were involved in preparing the program. Our researchers opened the doors of their laboratories, prepared interactive displays, and organized fun activities, competitions, and scientific experiments for children and adults alike.

Lectures, shows, and a glimpse into space

Visitors could also enjoy the science show presented by popularizers from SCIENCE ON. The professional program was enriched by engaging lectures by personalities such as Prof. Miloslav Druckmüller, Prof. Josef Štětina, Dr. Martin Hrdlička (Škoda Auto), and Dr. Petr Viewegh.

Children could make small crafts in workshops, take part in a quiz competition, or jump around in a bouncy castle. Another exciting experience was the view from the 19th floor of building A1, which offers a unique view of Brno in the evening.

Open-air science

The faculty's outdoor spaces also came alive with science. The highlight of the evening was the Model of the Sun, located in front of the faculty. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Brno Observatory and Planetarium, was created from data from the SDO space observatory. The images were processed using a method developed by Prof. Druckmüller and made it possible to visualize phenomena that are normally invisible to the naked eye.

Test drives of the Dragon e5 student formula car took place in the parking lot, and Škoda Auto exhibition cars were also on display.

We would like to thank all the visitors who came and we hope they enjoyed this year's Researchers' Night to the fullest. A big thank you also goes to all the students and staff who dedicated their Friday evening to popularizing science.

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