BBMRI.at at the Long Night of Research 2026 – Record attendance

The Long Night of Research 2026 once again proved to be a major magnet for the public, with record attendance at the sites of the Medical University of Graz and the Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer in Medicine (ZWT). Around 3,000 visitors took the opportunity to experience medicine and biomedical research up close highlighting the public’s interest in science.

Healthy aging in focus

This year’s overarching theme, Healthy Aging, resonated strongly with the public. Through interactive stations, expert discussions, and guided tours, visitors gained valuable insights into the science behind healthy aging and the role of modern biomedical technologies.

Hands-on science with BBMRI.at

The BBMRI.at coordination team together with its partner Diagnostic & Research Institute of Pathology presented a diverse range of interactive hands-on stations. Visitors were introduced to the concept and importance of biobanking in modern research. They engaged directly in laboratory techniques – pipetting and examining blood smears under the microscope, exploring blood components and their functions, and working with real tissue samples. They could cut and freeze tissue in liquid nitrogen at –196 °C themselves as well as staining FFPE sections and examining different organs under the microscope.

Behind the scenes at Biobank Graz

A particularly well-received highlight was the guided tour through the Biobank of Med Uni Graz, one of Europe’s largest clinical biobanks. These tours offered visitors an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the biobank’s laboratory and at the high-tech storage systems for frozen and paraffin samples as well as tissue slides.

Expanding engagement: JKU Biobank Linz

For the first time, Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz participated through its Biobank Linz, allowing the public to get in contact with biobank staff, discuss biobank topics and pipet liquid samples.

Strong public interest and positive feedback

High visitor numbers and active participation highlighted the importance of accessible and engaging communication, as well as the strong public interest in medical work and biobanking.

Visitors were highly curious, asked many questions and provided very positive feedback on the diverse program, the hands-on activities and the opportunity to speak directly with researchers, biobankers, and pathologists.