The citizens of Almería responded massively to the fifteenth edition of the Night of Researchers, making the event a resounding social success and a milestone in scientific dissemination. The 2026 edition brought together more than 16,000 people on the streets, visiting 89 exhibitors spread across four venues. Additionally, over 3,500 pre-university students participated in preliminary activities, and 610 researchers, with a female majority, engaged with the public.
Institutional collaboration, including the Government Sub-delegation, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Provincial Council, and the City Council of Almería, has been crucial in maintaining Almería's prominent position in the international context of this initiative promoted by the European Commission.
At the official opening ceremony, remarks were made by the rector of the University of Almería, José J. Céspedes; the mayoress of the city, María del Mar Vázquez; the Government Sub-delegate, José María Martín; the Regional Government Delegate, Francisco Góngora; and the provincial deputy María Luisa Cruz, among other authorities.
Rector Céspedes highlighted the event as one of the most significant engagements of the University of Almería with society, emphasizing satisfaction with the strong reception and the opportunity for direct interaction between the public and researchers. He noted that Almería is one of the cities with the best public response in Andalusia.
Mayoress Vázquez underscored the event's value in sparking curiosity and critical thinking among young people, stating that bringing the UAL closer to society and investing in knowledge are key to the city's future.
Government Sub-delegate Martín mentioned activities presented by the CSIC and CIEMAT, focusing on the conservation of endangered species, soil regeneration, and the use of solar energy.
Francisco Góngora, from the Regional Government of Andalusia, emphasized that science and innovation are fundamental tools for addressing future challenges and boosting competitiveness, highlighting their importance in key sectors for Almería such as agriculture and renewable energies.
Provincial Deputy María Luisa Cruz stressed how the initiative brings scientists' work closer to the daily lives of Almería's residents, consolidating the province as one of the most active in Andalusia for this event.
The 15th edition was linked to the Aqualab Project, focusing on research into sustainable water resource management and astronomical outreach. Exhibitors were located on Rambla Federico García Lorca, Mirador de la Rambla, the courtyard of the Government Delegation, and the Paseo Sur, a new venue dedicated to greenhouse technologies and agronomic innovation.
Previously, 65 activities were held for 3,430 students from 56 educational centers in the province, with a priority given to those furthest from the university campus.
