We are delighted to share our experiences and highlights from the Mediterranean Researchers’ Night (Mednight) 2024. This event, held annually across the Mediterranean region, unites scientists, researchers, and the public in celebrating science and culture. This year’s Mednight was a remarkable success, and we are proud to have been part of it.

Mednight, or Mediterranean Researchers’ Night, is a European initiative that aims at making science accessible and engaging for people of all ages. Held in various cities across the Mediterranean, Mednight features a wide array of activities, including interactive workshops, scientific demonstrations, lectures, and exhibitions. It is a night where science meets culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for both.

Our young researcher, Effie Karyda, had the privilege of participating in the 5th meeting between young researchers and schools as part of Mednight 2024. The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 60 schools and approximately 1,500 students from across Greece participating. This remarkable engagement underscores the dedication and enthusiasm of both educators and students in embracing scientific exploration and learning. During her presentation, Effie delved into neurodegenerative diseases and explained how scientists can utilize microbes as living factories to test small molecules in a high-throughput manner to identify potential drugs. She also had the opportunity to interact with the students, discussing the daily life of a PhD student and sharing her personal journey into the world of science.

The success of this event reinforces our commitment to fostering a love for science among the younger generation. We look forward to participating in future editions of Mednight and continuing to inspire and educate students through engaging and interactive scientific activities. We would like to thank the organizers and everyone who participated and helped make this event a success.

For more information on the event, please visit the official Mednight webpage.