On 25 September 2026, from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm, Piazza Dante in the heart of Naples hosted the European Bright Night, turning overnight into an open space dedicated to science, public engagement and dialogue between the world of research and the general public. The University of Naples “Parthenope” took part in the initiative with 22 research groups, which organised activities, experiments and demonstrations aimed at an audience of all ages.
Among the groups present, the Ecology Lab at Parthenope University, with the participation of Dr Francesco Rendina, presented its research activities in the fields of marine ecology and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on the REEForest project dedicated to the study, conservation and restoration of marine forests of macroalgae and the biodiversity associated with them.
During the evening, the public had the opportunity to learn more about the work carried out by the researchers and to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role these habitats play in the health and balance of the Mediterranean’s marine ecosystems. Through direct interaction with the researchers, informative materials and demonstrations, complex scientific topics were explained in a simple, accessible and engaging way.
Participation in the European Researchers’ Night thus represented an important opportunity to bring research out of the laboratories and share it with the community, raising awareness amongst the public of the importance of marine biodiversity, ecological restoration and habitat conservation. It was a moment of engagement and outreach to demonstrate how scientific research can make a tangible contribution to the understanding, protection and future of marine ecosystems.
