Researchers' Night 2026, Kuopio

A mystery object – what does an object that you can’t see look like? 

Join us to investigate and solve a mystery! This workshop takes you on a journey into the world of science and helps you to discover mysterious objects that are hidden from view. Imaging studies are used to solve exactly this kind of problems – and now you can have a go yourself! 

We will use shadow tomography to measure, examine and collect clues. We have access to real tomography equipment, measurements, and a computer programme that will reveal the shape of each mystery object. Is it a circle, a square, or something else? 

The workshop is part of the Science Adventure project, in which workshops are designed for schools based on research conducted at the University of Eastern Finland. 

The activity is suited to children aged around 10. Younger children can participate with an adult. Only curiosity is required – let’s explore!

Biogeochemistry workshop – a journey from soil to atmosphere  

What kind of a world is there under our feet? What gases surround us and why do plants smell? 

In this workshop, you will be able to explore, at your own pace, the key themes of the diverse field of biogeochemistry: soil, plants, water and atmosphere. There is something for everyone, especially families with children. You will also get ideas for doing science experiments at home.  

Join us to explore the wonders of the environment with our scientists! 

Citizen science: you can be a scientist, too!  

Are you interested in citizen science or are you already a seasoned participant? There are many ways to contribute to scientific research, such as interviewing people or collecting samples from nature. Visit the University of Eastern Finland Library’s activity point to find out what citizen science and co-research can be in practice. Come to meet researchers from co-research projects and library staff.

Explore brain research! 

How does the brain change as we age? What is Parkinson’s disease and how is it studied? Come to explore the fascinating world of brain research through hands-on activities for all ages! 

The activities illustrate how researchers explore these fascinating questions in their daily work. For example, you can examine organoid models and practice sorting them. You can also view MRI scans of human brains of different ages, guess their age, and see the changes that occur in the brain over the years. 

Meet researchers, learn about brain health and experience what it is like to work in brain research! 

How does diet promote health?

Did you know that diet begins to affect our health from the moment we eat?
Here you will find information on digestion, gut function and functional foods, meaning foods that may have specific health benefits. Come and talk with researchers and explore how your own food choices can support health and well-being!

Meet Alice, Savonia’s robotic dog

Come and meet Alice, Savonia’s robotic dog!

Weighing around 15 kilos, Alice is a robotic dog that moves nimbly and performs tricks just like a real dog. Among other things, Alice can shake paws, sit and jump, offering a fun and illustrative way to explore robotics.

• At the robotic dog demonstration, you will get to:
• see how Alice moves and performs tricks
• try shaking paws with Alice 
• learn how robotics and intelligent systems work
• take a photo with Alice.

Alice is part of Savonia’s teaching and research in robotics, where future technological solutions are developed for the needs of industry and automation.

Something is going on below the surface – the mystery of colours 

In this workshop, you can create milk art by using food colouring, milk and washing-up liquid. This activity is a fun way to learn about surface tension, fats, and how molecules work. Each participant will create their own colourful artwork while discovering what really happens in milk. 

Steady steps into everyday life: Test your balance, strength and Nordic walking skills 

How strong is your grip? Can you keep your balance with your eyes closed? Test and learn more about functional capacity at this fun and interactive activity point! 
You can measure your grip strength and test your balance on a force platform used in research. A simple balance test illustrates how important the role of vision is in regulating body balance. 

You can also learn about the benefits of Nordic walking and take part in a crash course on the basics of the technique. You can also try out the new Sisu-Grip walking poles to see what walking with them is like. 

Come to challenge yourself, compare results and get tips for maintaining your functional capacity and well-being!

The building blocks of life – a workshop on genetics and molecular biology

What actually is DNA and how do genes control life? Explore the fascinating world of genetics and molecular biology in a workshop that makes the building blocks of life visible.
In this workshop, you can learn about the functioning of cells and genes, colour pictures with science themes, and try to isolate DNA yourself. You will get to see what genetic material looks like, and learn how genes affect growth, development and health.

Come to wonder, learn and discuss the phenomena of molecular biology and how they are reflected in our everyday life with researchers.

Suited to anyone eager to learn about science regardless of age.

What will you become when you grow up? What would you still like to learn?

Come and stop by the Continuous Learning activity point at Researchers’ Night! Draw, write or freely dream about your future skills at the shared drawing table. For children and those young at heart, we offer colouring pencils, drawing activities and an opportunity to share their learning-related hopes and dreams.

Here you can also learn about the continuous learning opportunities offered by the University of Eastern Finland. We will tell you about Open University studies, continuing education and the many ways to learn new things at different stages of life.

Drop in to chat, be inspired and dream about the future.

YUFE – your door to Europe  

The YUFE Alliance is our university’s direct link to Europe. Find out how to save a thirsty tree in Kuopio and what it’s like to collaborate on research across national borders. You can also have a go at YUFE lottery and say hello to our colleagues from all over Europe. 

Explore the wonders of the night sky

Welcome to discover the night sky at Ursa Planetarium! During the presentation, you will learn what can be seen in the sky right now and what else can be found there. In this live-guided session, we will explore constellations, planets and other celestial objects. The Ursa Planetarium is suitable for all ages, but not recommended for children under 5.

Battery Laboratory

Welcome to uncover the secrets of battery research at the University of Eastern Finland’s new Battery Laboratory! In the Battery Laboratory, you will see what makes an electric car move, phones work and electric toothbrushes buzz. During the tour, you will learn about the different parts of a battery and how batteries work, as well as how their properties are tested and improved. You will also get to take part in battery testing, for example by measuring voltages, and you can try ultrasonic welding!

Berry Production Laboratory

What could future food production look like in cities and in a changing climate?

Can strawberries be grown all year round regardless of the weather? What solutions are needed to make food production more sustainable?

On this tour, you will visit laboratories where future cultivation methods are being developed. You will see how plants are grown under controlled conditions and how new growing media are studied in strawberry and Arctic bramble production.

Bioeconomy and Circular Economy Laboratory 

Come and explore Savonia’s laboratory for research in the bioeconomy and circular economy!
The laboratory in the Sytytin building supports companies’ research and development work and develops solutions for using side streams from different industries as raw materials for new products, such as recycled fertilisers, growing media and soil improvers.
In the laboratory, you can learn about:

• elemental analysis
• microbial biorefining and biogas experiments
• cultivation experiments with recycled fertilisers and soil improvers

Hearing Valley

Come and learn how hearing works and how it can be studied. At Hearing Valley, you can try out hearing-related tasks and learn about the importance of hearing for well-being and managing in everyday life.

HUMEA Laboratory

How can human movement and body function be measured? At the HUMEA Laboratory, you will learn about research in which technology helps us understand health, physical activity and rehabilitation.

SmartSleep Sleep Research Laboratory 

Sleep affects learning, energy levels and health more than we often realise. In the sleep laboratory, you will learn about sleep research, how sleep can be measured and why good sleep is important for people of all ages.

You are warmly invited to attend the science sessions and ask questions about the themes discussed.

16.30 From coughs to ear infections – an A to Z of respiratory tract infections in children

Why do children often catch colds? How can symptoms be alleviated, and when should you be concerned? A paediatric infectious diseases specialist will discuss respiratory tract infections in children from a parent’s perspective.

Speaker: Professor Marjo Renko
Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

17.00 What will old age be like in the future?

Speaker: Professor Elisa Tiilikainen
Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies

17.30 Microbes all around us, and how they can help us build a greener future 

Microbes are far more than our invisible companions. Come and find out how bacteria and microalgae can be used in wastewater treatment, carbon dioxide sequestration and the production of biobased materials and renewable energy. These microscopic organisms can offer surprising solutions to the environmental challenges of the future.

Speaker: Postdoctoral Researcher Rebecca Wicker
Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

18.00 Protein everywhere – a trend or a real need?

Protein has become one of the hottest topics in discussions about nutrition. But what does research tell us about how much protein people actually need? This science session explores nutrition recommendations and considers when protein supplements are useful and when an ordinary diet is enough.

Speaker: University Lecturer, Docent in Nutrition Maria Lankinen
Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

18.30 Citizen science

Conducting research together with marginalised and minority groups

Speaker: Professor Kaijus Ervasti
Neuro-Ethics and Law Research Team