MEDNIGHT 2025: A Night of Light, Curiosity, and Science in Xanthi
02-10-2025
For the second consecutive year, the city of Xanthi hosted the Mediterranean Researchers’ Night – MEDNIGHT 2025, bringing to life a celebration that unites the Mediterranean under the light of science. On Friday, September 26, the Athena Research Center opened its doors at the Kimmeria Campus, welcoming more than 500 visitors to an event dedicated to knowledge, innovation, sustainability, and public engagement.
This year’s festivities began on Thursday with a special pre-event at Xanthi’s central square, offering the public a first taste of what was to come. Visitors had the chance to engage with robots, educational games, artificial intelligence applications, and most importantly the people behind the research. These activities reminded everyone that science can be accessible, exciting, and interactive, even in everyday urban spaces.
On Friday, Athena’s facilities in Xanthi transformed into a vibrant scientific hub filled with exhibits, talks, games, VR experiences, 3D printing, and hands-on workshops. Research teams, projects, students, volunteers, parents, and children came together for an evening of questions and answers, meaningful connections, and new perspectives. Special emphasis was placed as always on the participation of women in research and the active role of youth in the journey of scientific discovery.
This year’s event highlighted the multifaceted work of research teams through thematic areas that bridge science and society: artificial intelligence and education (Krikri, AI4EDU), sustainable lifestyles and environmental action (PSLifestyle, RESIST, Global Climate Hub), cultural documentation and digital heritage (ARTEMIS, ECHOES, Attic Vessels), technology and health (ThrombUS+, Vitalia), STEM education, robotics, and student innovation (STEM Education Xanthi, REFIVE, Escape Boxes, Sparmatseto Robotics, 4th & 5th General Lyceums of Xanthi), as well as archaeology and 3D reconstructions (AeGIS, TEXTaiLES, Alleys of History). Each activity was designed to foster dialogue with the public through games, contests, and quizzes, to inspire the next generation, and to showcase the real-world value of research in our daily lives.
Of particular importance was the active involvement of external partner institutions such as Democritus University of Thrace, local schools in Xanthi (4th & 5th General Lyceums, 5th & 6th Junior High Schools), STEM Education Xanthi, Sparmatseto Robotics, and other local educational and cultural organizations. With their teams, they co-created a celebration that belongs to the local community and strengthens the footprint of science in every corner of Greece.
The experience was captured through smiles, moments of discovery, and a wide range of activities for all ages. Both internal and external contributors to the event demonstrated the power of interdisciplinarity and collaboration at local and European levels. The event was made possible thanks to the valuable contributions of dozens of scientists, educators, researchers, students, volunteers, and partnering institutions who came together to create a celebration filled with knowledge, participation, and inspiration.
Event Sponsors: Papaparaskevas Patisserie, Rainbow Waters, Vourvoukelis Estate, Anatolikos Vineyard, Apostolos Papadopoulos Meat Company, Professor, STEM Education, Gregory’s, Kipseli Patisseries.
Scientific Contributors/Exhibitors:
Elpida Sofia Aivazian, Panagiotis Amoiridis, Vasilis Arampatzakis, Ioannis Arampatzidis, Fotis Arnaoutoglou, Maria Vassilidou, Athanasia Vogiatzis, Fotis Giariskanis, Stelios Didaskalou, Vasilis Evangelidis, Georgios Epsimos, Vaia Zachari, Petros Zisis, Evripidis Themelis, Giorgos Alexis Ioannakis, Nikolaos Kazakis, Dorothea Kantzilidou, Spyros Kappos, Asterios Karagiannis, Melpomeni Karta, Vasilis Katsouros, Michail Kosmidis, Eleni Kyratzopoulou, Fotini Kyrkou, Vasilis Makedos, Anastasia Makri, Sotiris Makris, Lamprini Melletzidou, Mariam Mozayan, Giannis Mourthos, Vaggelis Neratzis, Thomas Pappas, Giorgos Pavlidis, Eleni Petra, Nikos Sidiropoulos, Vasileia Tzampou, Anna Triantafyllidou, Altzi Tsanko, Konstantina Tsapari, Georgios Tsoulouchas, Christina Flouda, Alexandros Fragkopoulos, Kyriaki Chavatzanidou, Marina Christaki, Marianti Christodoulou, Fotini Christoforidou.
Browse photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvSHn.