An evening of transformation. Researchers’ Night at BUT enchanted thousands of curious visitors

Sparks in the eyes and in the air. This year's Researchers' Night, which was accompanied by the theme of transformation, attracted thousands of visitors to Brno University of Technology. All faculties and units of BUT offered a rich and varied programme, attracting a total of 7,082 science, technology, and art enthusiasts during Friday evening.

The Researchers' Night at BUT was an extraordinary success. | Author: Václav Koníček

Hundreds of activities, designed by experts at BUT, uncovered the mysteries of transformation in technology and art for eager visitors from Brno and beyond. As in previous years, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering were the most popular.

"The science shows — chemical, hydrogen, and fire — were a huge hit with the audience, as was the ever-popular Tesla transformer. Expert lectures and the premiere of an original chemical opera filled the hall. Interested visitors peered into various laboratories and found out how scientific instruments work. There were also popular formulas, airplanes, drones, virtual reality or 3D printing," described Lenka Svobodová, the coordinator of the Researchers' Night at BUT, adding that the scientists were delighted by the huge interest and enthusiasm of all visitors.

There was also augmented reality. | Author: Václav Koníček

What changes did the Researchers' Night reveal at BUT faculties and units?

At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, visitors became bridge builders, welders or excavators, discovered the transformations of water, sound and building materials and experienced how the digital world is turning into a tangible reality.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offered a unique programme, including a hydrogen show, which was a great success. Science enthusiasts visited a foundry, competed with robots, discovered the magic of fire transformations or took a virtual tour of a nuclear power plant. Lectures by Professors Druckmüller, Hartl and Štetina and a lecture by Dr. Dvořák were also a great success.

The lectures captivated young and old alike. | Author: v

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology welcomed 920 visitors who explored incredible engineering discoveries, the transformation of sand into a chip, the principles of computed tomography or the transformation of energy. The children had fun in the Electrician's room and everyone was also amazed by Tesla's transformer.

The Faculty of Information Technology dazzled visitors with a fire show, augmented reality drone control or interactive demonstrations of deepfakes. Those interested went on a guided tour of the building with the architect.

In the Centre of Sport Activities, sports tech enthusiasts tested their athletic potential, learned the art of fencing, and discovered how cutting-edge technology impacts athletic performance and the human body.

At the Faculty of Chemistry, everyone was amazed by an entertaining chemistry show, various experiments and the premiere of the Chemistry Opera. In addition, visitors enjoyed chemical bourbon and strawberry spaghetti.

Visitors enjoyed science shows and experiments. | Author: Václav Koníček

Scientists from CEITEC BUT impressed visitors with experiments with changing materials, nanorobots and fascinating views through a microscope.

The Institute of Forensic Engineering prepared for visitors a simulation of lighting conditions and an unusual experience in the form of an obstacle course that showed how addictive substances affect human perception.

Artists from the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Fine Arts prepared a programme at KUMST in Brno. People admired the performances of students studying game and graphic design or interactive architecture.

And at the Faculty of Business and Management, visitors experienced the transformation of an idea into reality and found out how innovation changes the market.