From dental fillings to virtual reality: RSU offers more than 70 activities for Researchers’ Night

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 25 September, from 18:00 to 22:00, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) invites families with children, young people, prospective students and everyone interested to attend European Researchers’ Night. This year, RSU will offer its widest range of activities to date, with more than 70 different workshops, stands and masterclasses. At the two RSU venues, visitors will be able to meet researchers, students and healthcare professionals, take part in experiments, hands-on workshops, games and demonstrations, and learn about the importance of science in human health and everyday life.

The event will take place at the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre (26a Anniņmuižas bulvāris) and the RSU Red Cross Medical College (5 Jāņa Asara iela). The event is free of charge.

This year’s Researchers’ Night slogan, ‘Discover the Nature of Science!’, invites us to see science not only in laboratories, but also in the human body, movement, healthcare, technology and the various solutions that shape our everyday lives and our future.

Activities at the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre

At the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre, visitors will be able to tour a 3D laboratory, discover 3D technology used in medicine and test their knowledge of anatomy by correctly placing 3D-printed organs in a model of the human body. Visitors will have the opportunity to find out what DNA reveals about a person, try their hand at filling a tooth, explore the human body in virtual reality, and step into the shoes of a doctor using a laparoscopic surgery simulator.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out whether ultrasound may help to detect and treat a bone fracture, test their reaction speed and brain activity, try out extended reality attention and breathing games, and perform various strength, balance and physical ability tests under the guidance of the specialists from the RSU Academy of Sport. As part of forensics activities, visitors will have a chance to investigate fingerprints, microscopic particles and other traces.

This year, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the social sciences, take part in a student short film festival, and find out how radio recordings and podcasts are produced at the 'Skaļāk' student media station.

Activities at the RSU Red Cross Medical College

At the RSU Red Cross Medical College, visitors will be able to explore medicinal plants, learn first aid, and discover more about anatomy and the science behind medical massage. Visitors will also be able to take part in practical tasks, experiments and workshops, learn more about various healthcare professions and test their knowledge. This year, the college will offer both popular and new activities and surprises. Prior registration is required for school groups wishing to visit the college.

Science you can try out

Researchers’ Night is an opportunity not only to observe, but also to try things out for yourselves, explore and ask questions. The programme will be suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children and young people considering a degree in medicine, healthcare, sport, technology or the social sciences.

About European Researchers’ Night

European Researchers’ Night is a European-level event that takes place every year on the last Friday of September with the aim of promoting science and its achievements. The goal of the event is to promote science and educate society, particularly young people, about the importance of science and its achievements, as well as to make science more accessible to the wider public.