With a focus on research and innovation, pioneering ideas, and young people at the forefront, the «Researchers’ Night» was held with remarkable success on Friday, 26 September 2025, for the 12th consecutive year, by the National Technical University of Athens. The oldest and largest technological institution in the country, true to its appointment with this European tradition, opened its gates and welcoming spaces to receive the general public — Greek citizens — and guide them through the spaces where research is produced, innovative ideas are realised, and science advances.
For the first time, the event was organised and held at the NTUA campus in Zografou Polytechnic City, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square metres, with the ambition of attracting even more citizens and young people, so as to showcase the innovative efforts of researchers from all Attica institutions and make them partners in research projects and scientific and technological advancement.
And indeed, the bet was won!
For six hours, from 17:00 to 23:00, thousands of citizens visited the area in front of the NTUA Central Library, observing with evident interest the presentations and research exhibits. In total, 245 fully equipped exhibition spaces were made available and optimally arranged, while visitors also had the opportunity to tour representative laboratories of the university.
Our visitors witnessed experiments, high-technology and artificial intelligence applications, and scientific instruments up close, and met and conversed with members of the research teams of NTUA, the Universities and Research Centres of Attica, innovation start-ups and spin-offs, as well as collaborating bodies, organisations, and sponsors. A live link with CERN was also established, which, as every year, attracted particular interest.
The atmosphere was filled with joyful voices, smiles, and exclamations of enthusiasm. For all of us, the members of the great family of the National Technical University of Athens, it is a privilege to welcome and host the citizens of the country, responding to the social call for academic excellence, research leadership, and contribution to the progress of our nation.
The undeniable success of the event was due in large part to the tireless efforts of the institution’s staff. The true protagonists of the event, however, were our researchers, whose hard work and achievements we must consistently recognise and celebrate.
The «Researchers’ Night 2025» activities were held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Municipality of Athens, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, demonstrating the strong institutional backing of the event and the institution. Warm support was also provided by the Municipality of Zografou.
The Rector of NTUA, Professor I. K. Chatjigeorgiou expressed his satisfaction with the exceptionally successful organisation of the event and thanked all those who contributed to it, stating: «The Researchers’ Night belongs to the researchers of the country, with a focus on the new generation of scientists who are already contributing through their work to the advancement of scientific thought and the production of new knowledge. It is they whom we honour and to whom we offer moral recognition. The organisation of the Researchers’ Night, as well as other NTUA initiatives such as the Open Laboratories, has not only a scientific but also a social dimension. The university continuously repays its debt to society by acknowledging the high standing it has reserved for it in the public conscience.»
The event was greeted by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Ms. S. Zacharaki who stated «Today reminds us that researchers are the protagonists of progress, sustainable development and social cohesion. They are those who, through their work, open pathways for the green and digital transition, for health, quality of life, and a better tomorrow». Adding also that «innovation is the driving force of development», she addressed the young people saying «Dare to experiment, to play, to dream. Research is not only laboratories and data. It is creativity, imagination, the power to change our world».
A greeting was also delivered by the Mayor of Athens and NTUA Professor, Ch. Doukas who spoke of an evening «dedicated to the magic of science that rebuilds the bridge between academic knowledge and society». And continued saying «As the Municipality of Athens, we are proud to support such initiatives, because we believe our city must be open to research, new ideas, and innovation. A city that collaborates with universities, invests in knowledge, and uses science to provide solutions to major urban and social challenges».
The Scientific Director of the Project, Professor Emerita of NTUA and Vice-President of TEE, Ms. A. Moropoulou, described an evening that «highlights the decisive contribution of the public university and research centres to the research and innovation produced by the scientific community, which contribute to the development of the country, while promoting NTUA as a hub connecting science to society». «The Researchers’ Night looks to the future. To the transfer of research into society, the creation of jobs for highly qualified scientific personnel, the reversal of the brain drain, the support of youth entrepreneurship, innovation start-ups and spin-offs, the real economy, and the improvement of the status and quality of life of researchers, both institutionally and economically. It is of particular importance in view of the country’s recovery from the climate, environmental, and economic crisis. What is needed is for the State and society to listen to researchers. To demonstrate that in Greece, research and innovation have a role in development.»
Greetings were also extended by
- The Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor G. Siasos
- The Rector of the Agricultural University of Athens, Professor S. Kintzios
- The Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor V. Vasdekis
- The Rector of Panteion University, Professor Ch. Koulouri
- The Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor M. Sfakianakis
- The Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts, Professor E. Chatzisavva
- The Rector of Harokopio University, Professor G. Dedousis
- The Rector of the University of West Attica, Professor P. Kaldis
- The Vice-President of the National Centre for Research and Technological Development (CERTH) Mr. E. Bekiaris
- The President of the Technical Chamber of Greece Mr. G. Stasinos
- The President of the Engineers’ and Public Works Contractors’ Pension Fund, Mr. K. Makedos
- The Head of the EU Representation in Greece Ms. N. Rigkou
- The Director of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Mr. A. Karageorgis
- The Director of the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Professor G. Patrinos
- The Board Member of the Panhellenic Association of Diploma Engineers and Public Works Contractors, Mr. E. Kasselas
Warm thanks are also extended to the Sponsors of the «Researchers’ Night 2025» for their support and active participation in the event. For the first time this year, thanks to the strategic initiative of the NTUA Administration, institutional bridges were created between scientific research and entrepreneurship. The strong and prominent presence of the sponsors and their executives — many of them NTUA alumni — demonstrated in practice the organic relationship between research and society, and showcased the partnership between scientific innovation and the market, in a manner that serves the social role of the institution for the benefit of young people and the country.
The sponsors of Researchers’ Night 2025 were
OFYPEKA, DEDDIE, ICCS, Copelouzos Group, DEPA Emporias, ELVALHALCOR, TITAN, EUROBANK and LATSCO Shipping Limited.
Finally, thanks are extended to the Communication Sponsors: ERT, OASA, STASY, OSY AE, Esos.gr, BCI media Toronto.
It is noted that every year more than two million citizens in 25 countries and over 350 European cities take part in the Researchers’ Night, a flagship initiative of the European Commission, which demonstrates how vital the contribution of research and scientists is to the future, progress, and prosperity.
