In 2026–2027, Armenia will host the large-scale science outreach events European Researchers' Night and Researchers at Schools for the first time.

The "ERNA – European Researchers’ Night in Armenia" proposal submitted by the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia has succeeded the MSCA & Citizens 2025 Action organized by the European Commission.

The MSCA & Citizens 2025 call is implemented within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, which is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework.

Out of 241 submitted proposals, 49 projects from 40 countries were selected. The European Commission allocated €16.3 million in funding for the implementation of these projects.

The ERNA project of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia will be implemented during 2026–2027 and will include two main program components:

1. European Researchers’ Night
2. Researchers at Schools

During these events, scientists, early-career researchers, and students will interact with citizens, school pupils, and young people, presenting the world of science through live experiments, demonstrations, public lectures, and interactive activities.

Following its moto "Science for Citizens, Citizens for Science: Building the Future by Confronting Challenges," the ERNA project aims to:

• promote direct dialogue between researchers and society,
• increase public awareness of science and innovation,
• present the role of scientists in modern society,
• strengthen young people’s interest in scientific and research careers.

The initiative is fully aligned with the functions assigned to the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia under the Law of the Republic of Armenia On Higher Education and Science. These functions include:

• promoting the popularization and public communication of science,
• strengthening the scientific community and developing scientific expertise,
• expanding international cooperation in science and integrating Armenia into the European Research Area.

Through the implementation of the ERNA project, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia not only represents the Armenian scientific community on the European stage but also fulfills its mission of bringing science closer to society, a responsibility assigned to the Academy by law.

The European Researchers' Night initiative is held every year in hundreds of cities across Europe, attracting millions of visitors. In 2026 and 2027, this celebration of science will take place in Armenia for the first time, creating a new platform for active cooperation between science, education, and society.

This achievement is an important step toward a future where science is accessible to society, and where the younger generation sees science as a path for personal development and career opportunities. 

The project partners are the Higher Education and Science Committee of MoESCS of RA, "Scientific and Innovation Partnership Assistance Center" Foundation, "Armbiotechnology" SPC, and Enterprise Incubator Foundation.