What do scientists do at night? More often than not, just like you and me, they have a rest. But, on 28 September, they will open the doors to their laboratories for Researchers’ Night, an event that will be taking place across Europe.

Scientists will be at CERN ready to welcome you from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and will provide tours and activities. You can even join in from the comfort of your own home by streaming the event as it happens on Facebook Live from 8 pm.

Take your first steps into the realm of artificial intelligence by programming robots, build a detector and observe particles from the cosmos. Discover matter in all of its states and the wonder of electricity during fun physics demonstrations. Visit CERN’s first accelerator and discover an underground experiment through virtual reality headsets. And, above all, meet scientists who will share their passion and answer your questions. See the full programme here.

Researchers’ Night at CERN is the first event to take place on the brand new Esplanade des Particules, the area in front of the entrance to the Laboratory, which has been refurbished following an urban planning competition. Inaugurated for Researchers’ Night, the Esplanade des Particules was completed with joint funding from the Swiss Confederation, the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Commune of Meyrin and CERN. The esplanade provides a large space for sustainable modes of transport and improves the welcome area for visitors, establishing itself as a meeting point for science and society.