Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

The event aimed to bring science, research and innovation closer to children, young people and the general public in an accessible and engaging way. Visitors could take part in a wide range of activities, observe scientific experiments, explore modern technologies and learn more about research at SUA.

The event was organised by the AgroBioTech Research Centre as part of the 20th edition of the European Researchers’ Night 2026, in cooperation with SUA faculties, the SUA Food Incubator, the SUA Creative Centre and the City of Nitra. This year’s Night of Science was held under the theme “The Power of Science: How Can We Shape Our Future?”

At the opening ceremony, Adriana Kolesárová, SUA Vice-Rector for Science and Research, emphasised that science is not a distant world confined to laboratories. It is closely connected with the food we eat, our health, nature, the landscape, environmental change and the technologies we use every day.

“Science teaches us to ask questions, verify information, think critically, seek evidence and make decisions based on it,” she said.

The AgroBioTech Research Centre offered activities covering a wide range of scientific fields. Visitors could learn more about chilli peppers, taste products developed by the Food Incubator, explore the world of cells and discover the secrets of liquids through Playful Chemistry. Other activities focused on health and healthy nutrition, bee products and DNA. The event was hosted by Michal Mihaľ from the AgroBioTech Research Centre.

Each of SUA’s six faculties presented a different area of scientific knowledge. The Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources introduced visitors to the use of modern biotechnological methods in crop production. The Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences presented Applied Biology Through the Eyes of Children, together with topics related to the food of the future, biotechnology and waste.

The Faculty of Economics and Management addressed the question “A Future to Bite Into: Are We Eating Healthily and Sustainably?”, connecting healthy eating, sustainability and the future of food. The Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development prepared a variety of games and a knowledge quiz. The Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering focused on the links between climate, water and landscape – issues that significantly affect quality of life and the future of our environment.

The Faculty of Engineering presented technologies that are changing the world. Agricultural machinery was among the main attractions, with students having the opportunity to try operating it themselves.

“The quad bike and compact tractor are used for research purposes in field experiments, as they serve as carriers for various electrical devices used to measure soil properties or soil penetration

resistance when collecting soil samples,” explained Miroslav Macák from the Faculty of Engineering.

Visitors could also try a tractor automatic navigation system simulator and see drones equipped with multispectral cameras.

“We also have Farming Simulator, where pupils and students can try driving tractors and other agricultural machinery in a computer environment, operate equipment and get a feel for agricultural work,” Macák added.

The SUA Creative Centre presented a special drone equipped with a LiDAR camera, which enables highly accurate surveying and scanning of areas. At SUA, the technology is currently being used as part of the ReVita project to scan vegetation and assess areas.

“This drone is also very useful, for example, for assessing the structural condition of bridges. It can even be used for reconstructions and for creating digital twins of castles,” explained Jakub Pagáč from the SUA Creative Centre.

The programme also included a series of lectures covering topics such as robotics, climate change and the potential of by-products from food production