More than 200 events will are held across the European Union on 24 September as part of the sixth annual 'European Researchers' Night'. Around 500,000 people are expected to attend this event which aims to promote careers in science and research.

Visitors to European Researchers' Night events across Europe will have the chance to handle sophisticated research equipment, meet researchers and enjoy fascinating demonstrations that bring the world of science to life. More than 600 museums, university campuses and laboratories will open their doors to the public.

Events range from a virtual eco-system disco to laboratory-induced indoor lightning and an exploration of the science – fact and fiction – that lies behind teleportation and invisibility. Star Trek and Harry Potter fans may be surprised to learn that their heroes' disappearing acts are not necessarily pure fantasy.

European Researchers' Night

The first European Researchers' Night was organised in 2005. Since then, the number of countries taking part in the initiative has doubled and the number of cities involved has increased tenfold, and last year 450.000 people attended European Researchers' Night events.

The whole event is managed by the Research Executive Agency (REA), and European Union supports European Researchers' Night through the People Programme, which allocated for the 2010 events a budget of 3.5 million Euro. Research career development is also supported through the Marie Curie Actions, which will have a budget of 772 million Euro in 2011.

Highlights of “European Researchers' Night” 2010 - Beam me up!

• Italy - The Rome Planetarium will welcome 'Trekkies' and Harry Potter devotees. The scientific principles behind teleportation and invisibility are not mere fantasy: Italian researchers will explain where the line between science fiction and tangible research is currently drawn.
• Poland - Scientists from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakόw will generate a storm inside a high-voltage laboratory.
• United Kingdom - The London Natural History Museum has set up special behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors can handle real specimens and take part in demonstrations and discussions with researchers on topics as diverse as the latest techniques for tracking meteorites and the detective work of the museum's forensics team.
• Germany - In Hamburg, the Felix Mendelssohn Symphony Orchestra will integrate natural sounds and images in a sui generis musical piece to raise awareness of the beauty of biodiversity. Professor Clemens Malich will conduct 80 young musicians to highlight their support for the preservation of endangered species.
• Spain - In the Royal Botanic Garden Juan Carlos I, in Madrid, pond bacteria will be used to generate electricity and activate an iPod playing Händel's Water Music. Discussions on science fiction related topics, such as machines versus humans, are also planned.
• Belgium - A DJ will use biodiversity to attract visitors onto the dance floor at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. The venue will be a virtual ecosystem, with species from the North Sea, African rivers and Brussels' urban spaces.
• Hungary - Young people in Budapest will follow the adventures of a brave heroine who combines chemical compounds to fight an evil wizard. Dance and fashion shows in the Barabas Mansion will complete the theatrical presentation of the Bay Zoltán Foundation for Applied Research.
• France - The Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology of Besançon will be the scene of a futuristic script.