Researchers' Night at TalTech 2026: laboratories, robots and experiments on September 25

On Friday, 25 September 2026, TalTech will host Teadlaste öö, when laboratories normally used for teaching and research will turn into one large discovery area for the evening. Visitors can look forward to experiments, robots, science theater, technologies, hands-on workshops, and the opportunity to meet people who actually conduct scientific research.

The program takes place simultaneously at four TalTech locations: at the Mustamäe campus in Tallinn, in Tartu, Kuressaare, and at Virumaa kolledž in Kohtla-Järve. Many activities are open to walk-ins, but advance registration is required for workshops with limited places.

TalTech Researchers' Night in previous years. Photos: TalTech.

What can you see at Teadlaste öö at TalTech?

Researchers' Night is not just about walking around university buildings. Much of the programme is designed so that visitors can experiment, build, programme, take measurements or ask scientists questions themselves.

At the Mustamäe campus, there are activities related to engineering, IT, natural sciences, energy and other fields. The programme includes both open demo areas and workshops and laboratory visits that start at set times.

Robot dog, Temi and biorobotics

One of the areas likely to be most eye-catching for children is robotics. Alongside robots from the TalTech Centre for Biorobotics, visitors can meet the Temi social robot and take part in an activity built around the Unitree Go2 robot dog.

In the secret coding mission of the robot dog, children can control a four-legged robot together with a parent, search for hidden code words and solve a task. According to TalTech, the activity is suitable, among others, for children from around 5.–6. years of age when accompanied by a parent.

With Temi, visitors can see how an autonomous robot moves around a room, guides people and interacts with them.

Brainwaves, chips and artificial intelligence

Teadlaste öö is not limited to robots. At Tudengimaja, visitors can also see how the electrical activity of the human brain is measured. TalTech health technology researchers demonstrate which brain waves appear on the screen and how their pattern changes with a person’s condition.

Technology enthusiasts will be introduced to the world of microchips and edge AI solutions. Visitors can learn how an idea becomes a finished microchip and why using artificial intelligence directly on a device is becoming increasingly important.

The programme also includes drone technology. Visitors can see solutions related to drone swarms and try controlling a drone in a flight simulator.

Science theater: how does air actually move through a room?

The Mustamäe programme features the science theatre show “How Does Air Move in a Room?” several times during the evening.

Students of indoor climate and water engineering use experiments to demonstrate where clean air in a room comes from, where polluted air goes, and why people may feel better in one room than in another.

Performances take place at:

• 17.30–18.15
• 19.00–19.45
• 20.00–20.45

According to the program published by TalTech, this activity does not require advance registration.

Chemistry, DNA and experiments you can do yourself

The natural sciences programme offers a hands-on experience of science. Activities include studying how food colourings behave in environments with different pH levels, microplastics and microbial life in water droplets, and how colour and fluorescence arise in proteins.

Several workshops with limited places go a step further. The programme includes, for example:

• extracting DNA from a strawberry;
• organic chemistry experiments;
• enzyme research;
• paper chromatography of plant pigments;
• ice cream laboratory;
• electronics and soldering workshops.

Some of these activities require advance booking.

Energy and engineering without dry theory

At Energeetikamaja, visitors can explore how real energy systems work and build something themselves in simpler activities.

The open program includes, for example, a workshop where participants can make a flashlight, a small flashlight keychain, or a fan under the guidance of TalTech students.

Solar energy, district cooling, and various technological solutions will also be presented. Among other things, the program requiring registration offers an opportunity to visit Energeetikamaja and conduct experiments involving electricity.

Computer games are also science and engineering

At Researchers' Night, visitors can try computer games created by TalTech students and see how a game develops from an idea, code and rules into a working solution.

Young people interested in robotics should also check out the TalTech Folkrace Festivali. Robots built by students compete on different tracks and must operate without constant human control—their decisions are made using software and sensors.

Tartu College: technology and engineering for the whole family

TalTech's Tartu College Researchers' Night will take place on September 25 at 17.00–21.00.

Tartu also focuses on practical science and technology. Teadlaste öö offers an opportunity to see the university in a more relaxed setting than usual and discover what solutions are used in modern engineering, construction, and technology.

For the detailed Tartu program and any possible changes, it is worth checking the official TalTech Teadlaste öö page before visiting.

Virumaa College: a science evening in Kohtla-Järve

Teadlaste öö at Virumaa kolledž takes place at 18.00–21.00. TalTech invites preschoolers, school students, and adults alike.

The programme includes activities where visitors can experiment and build things themselves. For example, they can write with invisible ink and explore what is inside small mechanisms and devices.

The Virumaa programme is a good opportunity to see that engineering and science are not just about formulas, but also involve a great deal of practical problem-solving.

Kuressaare College is also opening its doors

At TalTech Kuressaare College, the programme starts at 18.00 and runs until 21.00.

TalTech Researchers' Night also takes place in Saaremaa, offering an opportunity to discover the university's activities, technology and practical science. It is worth checking the official event programme for the exact workshop times and registration requirements.

Do I need to register for Researchers' Night?

No separate registration is required to attend Researchers' Night as a whole. TalTech emphasises that many activities throughout the evening are open to anyone who simply shows up.

However, places for workshops and laboratory visits with limited capacity must be booked in advance. Registration for Mustamäe is open and some of the more popular activities may fill up quickly.

View the official programme for TalTech Researchers' Night 2026 →

View the Mustamäe workshops and register →

Is it worth going specifically with children?

Yes. This is one of those events where you do not have to explain science to a child at length—a large part of the programme unfolds right before their eyes.

A robot dog, science theatre, experiments, computer games, drones and the opportunity to make something with their own hands may also interest a child who does not usually show much enthusiasm when they hear the word “science”.

For older children and young people, the value is different: they can see what a real university, laboratory and technology programme look like from the inside. This may give them a much more realistic idea of studying engineering, IT or natural sciences than a standard description of a field of study.

What to know before you go

• Before your visit, choose the activities you definitely want to see.
• Check which workshops require advance registration.
• Activities on the Mustamäe campus take place in several buildings, so allow time to get between them.
• If you are going with young children, do not plan too many consecutive activities.
• Check the official programme on the day of the event—times and availability may change.
• TalTech advises that the event will be photographed and filmed, and the materials may be used in the university's marketing channels.

Frequently asked questions

When does TalTech Researchers' Night 2026 take place?

TalTech's Researchers' Night takes place on 25 September 2026. The programme begins at 16.00 in Mustamäe, Tallinn, at 17.00 in Tartu, and at 18.00 at the Virumaa and Kuressaare colleges.

Where does TalTech Researchers' Night take place?

The event takes place at TalTech's Mustamäe campus in Tallinn and at TalTech's Tartu, Kuressaare and Virumaa colleges.

Is Researchers' Night suitable for children?

Yes. TalTech invites preschool children, school students, university students and adults to the event. Some specific workshops may have separate age recommendations.

Is registration required for all workshops?

No. Many activities are open without registration. However, places for workshops and laboratory visits with limited capacity must be booked in advance.

Where can I find the latest programme?

The latest information is available on TalTech's official Researchers' Night page. Activities in Mustamäe that require registration are listed on Fienta.

Artificial intelligence was used to prepare the article. The event dates, times and key programme information were verified against TalTech's official Researchers' Night 2026 page and registration platform. The programme and number of available places may change, so check the organiser's latest information before visiting.