The SPECTRA team enjoyed a fantastic evening at the European Researchers’ Night in Thessaloniki, engaging with people of all ages and sharing our passion for science and sustainability. Visitors stopped by our stand to discover how SPECTRA addressed challenges related to emerging contaminants and nanoplastics, and how our research in environmental and food science connected with everyday life and a more sustainable future.
Visitors had the chance to explore how SPECTRA addresses challenges related to emerging contaminants, nanoplastics, and environmental and food science, and to see how cutting-edge research connects with everyday life and a more sustainable future.
Our hands-on demos, short talks and Q&A sessions sparked lively conversations about how we detect and understand tiny pollutants, what they mean for human and environmental health, and how safer-by-design approaches can lead to better products and policies. Families, students and curious passers-by tried activities that illustrated the science behind sampling, measurement and risk, and learned how SPECTRA’s work supports practical solutions and informed decision-making.
Across Europe, the 2025 edition of European Researchers’ Night welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors into museums, universities and research institutes in hundreds of cities. Thessaloniki was no exception: attendees immersed themselves in games, discussions, experiments and demonstrations, and met researchers working in their local community.
A big thank you to everyone who visited the SPECTRA stand, asked questions and shared ideas. Your enthusiasm made the evening a real success.
Beyond one night: Researchers at Schools
European Researchers’ Night is complemented by Researchers at Schools, which brought scientists into classrooms — and pupils into labs and field sites — throughout the year. These activities helped young people build STEAM skills, see how school subjects translate into real-world problem-solving and explore the challenges our societies face today.
Teachers and educators in Thessaloniki and beyond took part in lab visits, talks, summer schools and citizen-science style projects, giving students a memorable, hands-on taste of research.
What’s next
The SPECTRA team will continue outreach throughout the year — from school activities to public talks and open-lab sessions — to keep the conversation going on science, sustainability and healthier environments. If you met us on the night and want to stay involved, keep an eye on our news page and channels for upcoming opportunities.
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, asked questions, and engaged with our team — your curiosity and enthusiasm made this night truly special! 🙌
