*UPDATE*
Bright 2026 returns on Friday 25 September 2026. The European Night of Researchers features a packed programme of events. The theme for the 2026 edition is ‘caring’, understood as a responsibility towards people, communities, relationships and the environment. In a context marked by social, environmental and technological challenges, research is called upon to make a tangible contribution to collective well-being by promoting thoughtful, ethical and accessible knowledge.
As in previous years, particular attention will be paid to children, families and schools, with activities designed to introduce the younger generations to the world of research and knowledge.
The event is organised by the universities of Tuscany (the University of Florence, the University of Pisa, the University of Siena, the University for Foreigners of Siena, the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, the Scuola Normale Superiore and the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca), together with a wide network of research bodies, including the Pisa Regional Research Centre of the National Research Council (CNR), the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) and the INAF Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory, with the support of the Tuscany Region as part of the Giovanisì project.
The BRIGHT-NIGHT project is an associated event of the European Commission’s HORIZON-MSCA-2023-CITIZENS-01 programme.
In the run-up to Bright, on Saturday 20 September 2026, the Museo della Grafica is organising a family activity dedicated to the invention of photography.
- "Pittori di luce", 4.00 pm - free event for families at the museum.
Info: https://museodellagrafica.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/pittori-di-luce/
As every year, the University Museum Network will also be taking part with a packed programme of free activities taking place in the museums and research centres: the museum staff look forward to welcoming young and old alike with guided tours, workshops, talks and seminars.
PROGRAMME
- "Edda Bresciani" Egyptological Collections, at 4.00 -pm, 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm - "Senet: il gioco da tavola dei faraoni", on-site activity featuring a free guided tour and a hands-on game;
Info: https://www.egitto.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/senet-il-gioco-da-tavola-dei-faraoni-bright-2026/
- Museum of Physics Instruments – Science Play Centre, at 4.00 pm- "Indovina quando: speciale scienza", activities in the square;
Info: https://www.msf.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/indovina-quando-speciale-scienza/
- Museum of Calculation Instruments, at 6.00 pm - "Vita lavorativa e tempo libero prima dell'arrivo di Internet", free guided tour of the exhibition "Non solo Calcolo";
Info: https://www.msc.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/visita-guidata-alla-mostra-non-solo-calcolo-bright-2026/
- Veterinary Anatomical Museum, at 3.00 pm - "Nato per correre...alla scoperta del cavallo!", guided tour (by booking only) exploring the museum’s collection;
Info: https://mav.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/nato-per-correre/
Museum of Anatomy, Pathology and Palaeopathology, at 5.00 pm - "Comunità solidali: le tracce della cura nell'antichità", a seminar led by Simona Minozzi at the Palaeopathology laboratory (Via Derna 1);
Info: https://www.map.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/comunita-solidali-2/
- Botanical Garden and Museum, at 4.00 pm- "Un'Arca verde per il domani: Orti botanici e Società",interactive activities in the square;
Info: https://www.ortomuseobot.sma.unipi.it/2026/08/unarca-verde-per-il-domani/
For the full programme of the event, please visit: https://bright-night.it/
