Visitors to ELI ALPS can explore lasers, specialized optical equipment, and areas of the institute that are normally closed to the general public. During the guided tours, our researchers showcase our world-class institute and the work done here through their own first-hand experiences.
Tours run in groups of 25 and last about 60 minutes. Each tour offers a glimpse into the institute's equipment, mission, and ongoing research, and is shaped by the guide's personal experiences and field of expertise. Tours start every 15 minutes from 5:00 PM, with the last group departing at 7:45 PM.
Tours and tours guides:
17:00 dr. Nikolett Oláh - Electron florescence
17:15 Júlia Soós-Dudás - The secret life of zebra fish
17:30 Vera Horváth - Where everything is brought to light
17:45 dr. Krisztina Trényi-Sárosi - Electricity from light – following charges
18:00 Levente Lehotai - The heavy hitter of ELI ALPS
18:15 dr. Zsuzsanna Márton - When photons meet nanoparticles
18:30 Krisztina Lehotainé Sallai - Let’s suppose – or how every exciting problem begins
18:45 Vera Horváth - Where everything is brought to light
19:00 Júlia Soós-Dudás - The secret life of zebra fish
19:15 dr. Krisztina Trényi-Sárosi - Electricity from light – following charges
19:30 Balázs Farkas - A Nobel laureate’s beamline
19:45 dr. Lénárd Gulyás Oldal - Neither with you, nor without you – Adventures of electrons and ions
20:00 Vera Horváth - Where everything is brought to light
Among the popular programmes from previous open-door events, this year’s edition will once again feature virtual laboratory tours using VR glasses, an introduction to the optical workshop, and spectacular experiments with liquid nitrogen. Visitors can also learn about our radiation protection equipment, laser safety eyewear, and how a cloud chamber works. Using a microscope, we will reveal the circular movement of chloroplasts – the site of photosynthesis –within the cells of the elodea plant. Guests will also have the opportunity to dress up as researchers.
Stands:
Chilling experiments (dr. Levente Ábrók, dr. Nikolett Oláh)
3D printing (Krisztián Kasza)
Secrets of the Optical workshop (Zénó Szabó)
Beam transport system (Konrád Törőcsik)
Invisible energy (dr. Róbert Polanek, Péter Traj, dr. Tamara Kecskés)
Light as an energy source (dr. Róbert Polanek, dr. Attila Ébert)
Laser and radiation safety (Zoltán Jóri)
Adventures in a virtual lab (dr. Tamás Csizmadia)
Cleanroom fashion (Kinga Fejős-Mészáros, Zsófia Mikolczi)
The building complex (Zoltán Leindler)
We welcome families just as much as secondary school and university students, or adults looking to complement what they learned in school with up-to-date knowledge. Researchers’ Night is a special opportunity to experience science first-hand, rather than just learning about it from books, screens, or lectures.
Registration: https://indico.eli-laser.eu/event/260/
Date and time: Friday, 25 September 2026, from 5 PM to 9 PM
Venue: ELI ALPS Laser Research Institute
6728 Szeged, Wolfgang Sandner utca 3.
Admission is free, but registration is required to attend.