On September 24, 2010 a consortium composed of Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, the two Venetian universities Ca’ Foscari and IUAV, Unioncamere Veneto and the Municipality of Venice will organise VENIGHT – the European Researchers’ Night in Venice, showing how researchers’ life and work are closely related to society and ordinary people.

The Researchers’ Night has been promoted by the European Commission within the 6th and 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development since 2005. The aim is to give citizens the opportunity to meet researchers, reinforcing the relationship between science, school and society and encouraging young people to explore the world of research.

On September 24, Venice will offer a variety of activities, including:

• “Insieme al Museo”: guided visits to the Venetian museums La Biennale di Venezia – Architettura, Collezione Peggy Guggenheim, Museo di Arte Contemporanea della Fondazione Pinault – Punta della Dogana, Palazzo Grassi, Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Musei Civici Veneziani (Museo di Storia Naturale, Museo di Ca’ Pesaro, Museo Fortuny, Museo di Ca’ Rezzonico).
• “Alla ricerca del tesoro”: a treasure hunt with the guide “Venice. The Ruyi”, where an interactive story leads people to explore cities using a particular encrypted book and their mobile phones. An award is reserved for winners.
• “European Corners”: two European corners will be opened to give entertainment and information on the research in Venice and in Europe.
• “Spritz con la scienza”: eight bacari (typical venetian bars) will host eight informal conferences that will be conducted by some researchers during the happy hour, with Spritz (the typical venetian drink) and snacks for the participants
• Concert: a big Concert in Campo Santa Margherita will close the day. It will be performed by groups of researchers and by the famous band Mercanti di Liquore. 

VeNIGHT’s activities will be free of charge and citizens and researchers will participate together in the events organized in the heart of the city.

Please, visit the website www.venight.it and the event’s Facebook profile, to find information about the programme and to enrol you for the activities of VeNIGHT.