Long Night of the Sciences 2026: More than 1,000 events

Brain City Berlin

On Saturday, 6 June 2026, it is that time again: around 60 scientific and science-related institutions across Brain City Berlin will open their doors to the public. The Long Night of the Sciences 2026 will take place from 5 pm to midnight and feature more than 1,000 events. Here is an overview along with a selection of highlights.

From virtual reality for plants to the batteries of the future, Berlin’s research landscape will showcase some of its most exciting innovations. Thousands of people are expected to explore the German capital, discovering more about sustainable technologies, promising gene and cell therapies, and even the effects of microplastics on the brain.

The Long Night of the Sciences is taking place for the 26th time. Following last year’s major anniversary edition, the 2026 programme once again offers a wide range of hands-on experiments, opportunities for discussion and moments of discovery. Many events address everyday questions and demonstrate how research can improve our daily lives. Speaking at the press event held at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin-Mitte, Dr Christina Quensel, Chair of the Long Night of the Sciences Association, said: “The Long Night highlights Berlin’s outstanding fundamental research, but also what can emerge from it: innovations that improve our lives and strengthen our economy. Come along and experience first-hand how vibrant and important science is in Berlin.”

Programme highlights

What does it feel like to experience the world as a plant? At the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology (BHT), visitors can enter an interactive virtual plant reality and discover how plants respond to touch and emotions. The event, titled “The Place to Bean: Experience the World as a Plant”, offers a unique perspective on plant perception.

The Berlin Battery Lab (BBL) is a joint research platform of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB). Its work focuses on sustainable next-generation battery technologies, particularly sodium-ion batteries as a resource-efficient alternative to today’s lithium-ion systems. By bringing together fundamental research, materials development, cell production and safety testing at a single location, the BBL creates a bridge between science and industrial application. Visitors can explore this research through the interactive activity “Discover the Batteries of the Future”.

What happens when microplastics enter the brain? Why does chlorophyll glow? And what does the inside of a vein actually look like? Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center are investigating these questions using brain organoids, single-cell technologies and advanced light microscopy. During the Long Night of the Sciences, visitors can explore medical imaging through virtual reality headsets in the Glass Laboratory, gaining entirely new perspectives on biomedical research.

At the Institute of Transportation Systems of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), visitors can take control of traffic themselves. The interactive traffic simulation SUMO demonstrates how traffic lights are coordinated, why pedestrians sometimes have to wait for the green signal and what happens when rail signalling systems fail. Participants can manage dense traffic flows and try their hand at getting everyone safely to their destination.

About the Long Night of the Sciences

The Long Night of the Sciences (LNDW) has been held annually in Berlin since 2001. The event is organised and largely funded by the participating scientific institutions themselves. Together, they make science in Brain City Berlin tangible and accessible, demonstrating just how exciting research can be. No prior scientific knowledge is required. To make the most of the evening and visit as many events as possible, visitors are encouraged to plan their route in advance using the online programme guide.

Tickets are available online in advance. A single ticket costs €7.50 and grants access to all Long Night of the Sciences events. It also includes free use of the dedicated shuttle bus services. More information and the full programme: langenachtderwissenschaften.de