Researchers' Night at TalTech 2026: laboratories, robots and experiments on September 25
On Friday, 25 September 2026, Researchers' Night will take place at TalTech, 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 theatre, technologies, hands-on workshops and the opportunity to meet people who actually conduct research.
The programme takes place simultaneously at four TalTech locations: at the Mustamäe campus in Tallinn, in Tartu, Kuressaare, and at Virumaa College in Kohtla-Järve. Many activities are open to walk-ins, but advance registration is required for workshops with limited places.
TalTech's Researchers' Night in previous years. Photos: TalTech.
What can you see at Researchers' Night at TalTech?
The point of Researchers' Night is not simply to walk around university buildings. Much of the programme is designed so that visitors can experiment, build, programme, measure, or ask researchers questions themselves.
The Mustamäe campus offers activities related to engineering, IT, natural sciences, energy and other fields. The programme includes both open demonstration areas and workshops and laboratory visits starting at scheduled times.
Robot dog, Temi and biorobotics
One of the most eye-catching areas for children is likely to be robotics. Alongside the robots from TalTech's Centre for Biorobotics visitors can meet the social robot Temi and participate in an activity built around the Unitree Go2 robot dog.
In the secret coding mission with a robot dog, a child 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, however, you can see how an autonomous robot moves around a room, guides a person, and communicates with them.
Brainwaves, chips and artificial intelligence
Researchers' Night is not limited to robots. At Tudengimaja, visitors can also see how the electrical activity of the human brain is measured. TalTech's health technology researchers will show which brain waves appear on the screen and how their pattern changes depending on a person's state.
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 involving drone swarms and try piloting a drone in a flight simulator.
Science theatre: how does air actually move in a room?
During the evening, the Mustamäe programme features several performances of the science theatre production “How Does Air Move in a Room?”.
Students of indoor climate and water technology demonstrate through experiments where clean air in a room comes from, where polluted air goes, and why one 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 programme 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. For example, participants will explore how food colourings behave in environments with different pH levels, microplastics and microbial life in water droplets, and how proteins develop colour and fluorescence.
Several workshops with limited places go a step further. The programme includes, for example:
- extracting DNA from a strawberry;
- organic chemistry experiments;
- studying enzymes;
- 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, you can explore how real energy systems work and also build something yourself through simpler activities.
The open programme 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. By registering for the programme, visitors can, among other things, 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 Festival. Robots built by students compete on different tracks and must operate without constant human control—the programme and sensors are used to make decisions.
Tartu College: technology and engineering for the whole family
TalTech's Tartu College Researchers' Night takes place on 25 September at 17.00–21.00.
In Tartu, the focus is also on practical science and technology. Researchers' Night offers an opportunity to see the university in a more informal setting and discover which solutions are used in modern engineering, construction, and technology.
Before visiting, check TalTech's official Researchers' Night page for Tartu's detailed programme and any changes.
Virumaa College: an evening of science in Kohtla-Järve
Researchers' Night at Virumaa College takes place at 18.00–21.00. TalTech invites preschoolers, schoolchildren and adults alike.
The programme includes activities where participants 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 only about formulas, but also involve a great deal of practical problem-solving.
Kuressaare College also opens its doors
The programme at TalTech's Kuressaare College begins at 18.00 and runs until 21.00 hours.
TalTech Researchers' Night also takes place in Saaremaa, offering an opportunity to learn about the university's activities, technology, and practical science. It is advisable to check the official event programme for the times of specific workshops and whether registration is required.
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 will take place throughout the evening and can be attended without registering.
However, there are workshops and laboratory visits with limited places that must be booked in advance. Registration for Mustamäe is open and some of the most popular activities may fill up quickly.
If you want to take part in a specific workshop, do not leave registration until the last day.
The number of available places changes continuously, so always check the latest information on the organiser's website before going.
View the official programme for TalTech's Teadlaste öö 2026 →
View Mustamäe workshops and register →
Is it worth going with children in particular?
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 takes place 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 is not usually particularly enthusiastic 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 can give a much more realistic idea of studying engineering, IT or natural sciences than a typical programme description.
Good 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 around.
- If you are going with small children, do not plan too many consecutive activities.
- Check the official programme on the day of the event—times and availability may change.
- TalTech has announced that the event will be photographed and filmed and that the materials may be used in the university's marketing channels.
Frequently asked questions
When will TalTech's Researchers' Night 2026 take place?
TalTech's Teadlaste öö takes place on 25 September 2026. In Mustamäe, Tallinn, the programme begins at 16.00, in Tartu at 17.00, and at the Virumaa and Kuressaare colleges at 18.00.
Where does TalTechi Teadlaste öö take place?
The event will take 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, schoolchildren, students and adults to the event. Some specific workshops may have a separate age recommendation.
Is registration required for all workshops?
No. Many activities are open without registration. However, places for workshops and laboratory visits with a limited number of participants must be booked in advance.
Where can I find the latest programme?
The latest information is available on the official TalTech Researchers' Night page. Activities in Mustamäe that require registration are listed on Fienta.
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Artificial intelligence was used to prepare the article. The event dates, times and key programme information were verified using TalTech's official Teadlaste öö 2026 page and registration platform. The programme and number of available places may change, so check the organiser's latest information before visiting.
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