Published: 02.10.2026
Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava participated in the European Night of Science on September 25, 2026.
Through interactive activities in Bratislava, Žilina and Banská Bystrica, she presented to the public topics in the field of cyber security, chemistry, environmental sciences, biotechnology and molecular biology.
Under the common theme "The power of science: how we can shape our future", educators, researchers and PhD students of FPV UCM prepared four stations that showed that science does not have to stay only in laboratories or classrooms. Through practical demonstrations and experiments, visitors could discover how scientific knowledge is connected to the digital world, nature, health and everyday life.
From digital security to the secrets of DNA
In Bratislava, FPV UCM presented the KryptoLab activity: How messages are hidden in the digital world. Visitors could get acquainted with the basics of cryptography, digital signing of messages and secure communication in an online environment. The activity brought closer the importance of digital security and the need to protect information in today's digital world.
Two stations were prepared in Žilina. The Laboratory Detectives activity combined chemistry and environmental science through hands-on experiments. Visitors could observe fluorescence under UV light, try chromatography or watch interesting chemical reactions.
The second Žilina station called "Hack a plant and discover the power hidden in the connection of science with the nature around us!" presented the importance of biotechnologies, plants and natural science research in finding answers to current environmental challenges. The topic pointed out how knowledge about plants can contribute to solutions related to food and energy security, climate change and health protection.
In Banská Bystrica, visitors could participate in the activity Power of Life: a molecular view from DNA to the cell. The site brought closer the path from the genetic code through the structure of the cell to the world of microorganisms. The activities included assembling a protein chain using the genetic code, isolating DNA from fruit, working with a 3D model of a cell, and observing algae and microorganisms under a microscope.
Science as a shared experience
The participation of FPV UCM in the European Night of Science confirmed the importance of science popularization and direct contact of scientists, educators and students with the public. Interactive stations created space for questions, discovery and better understanding of topics that affect the present and future of society.
