On 30th September 2022, Champalimaud Foundation held the first-ever European Researchers Night onsite, reaching over 1200 people who, over nine hours, were able to visit six different areas of the Champalimaud Foundation. With a programme made up of 60 free activities: from dance, to workshops, music to practical science stations, visits to laboratories to stand-up comedy and speed dating on board a catamaran, there was no shortage of moments of exploration and wonder. We also had tuk tuks, round table discussions, podcasts, football and much, much more, effectively bridging the gap between science aand society. Seeing diversity and inclusion reflected not only in the programme but also in the public was something really special. 

Both the night and the two linked Researchers At Schools programmes are supported by the MSCA and Citizens 2022 Coordination and Support Action RAISE, which brings together three Portuguese entities with similar goals: Native Scientist, Champalimaud Foundation and Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes for a wider national-level impact. Securing this grant would not have been possible without the Ciência di Noz Manera pilot conducted through QuantOCancer project, which forms the backbone of the integrated regional Researchers at Schools programme. All members of the ERA Chair’s research team also contributed actively, running practical activities for the public throughout the night.