Visitors immersed themselves in the world of parasites and microorganisms, discovering the beauty, diversity, and adventure of science firsthand.
On September 26, 2025, the European Researchers’ Night festival took place at the Optima shopping center in Košice, traditionally bringing science closer to the public. This year’s main theme was chaos, and dozens of research teams from universities and the Slovak Academy of Sciences presented their work.
Our stands, showcasing the work of experts involved in the EFFUSE-win project, attracted hundreds of visitors of all ages – from primary and secondary school students to parents with children, as well as the general public. Everyone could discover something interesting, whether in zoology, parasitology, or microbiology.
At one stand, visitors could see live ticks, learn about their morphology, and observe how they wait for hosts in a model natural habitat. Children enthusiastically played the interactive game “Walk Through the Forest and Don’t Get a Tick”, which playfully highlighted the risks associated with these parasites. As model hosts, we presented various species of snakes and exotic invertebrates – demonstrating the fascinating yet complex relationships between parasites and their hosts.
At the second stand, we introduced visitors to the world of microorganisms. Under the microscope, they could observe various types of microbes, such as yogurt bacteria (Lactobacillus) and Bacillus, and examine the morphology of streptomycetes using a stereomicroscope. They also tried basic laboratory techniques, such as pipetting and identifying bacteria on Uriselect culture plates using a simple identification key.
Both stands received very positive feedback and supported the main goal of the event – to spark curiosity, break down fears, and present science as an adventure that is part of everyday life.
