RhythmOfLife — The science of Rhythms in our lives RhythmOfLife — Raziskovanje ritmov v naravi in življenju ljudi

Researchers' Night

Upcoming

25 SEP 2026

Open day at the National Institute of Biology

  • 9:00–17:00
  • NIB, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana (main entrance C/D)
  • Secondary and grammar school students
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems, When the rhythm of life is disrupted

As part of the RhythmOfLife project, the National Institute of Biology (NIB) is holding an open day with interactive presentations of its research work. Between 9 a.m. and…

free
interactive science presentation open day
secondary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Fungi, Solar Panels and Citizen Scientists - Presentation of the FungiVE Project

  • 18:30 - 19:00
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is intended for the general public, secondary school and university students, and anyone interested in microbiology, renewable energy, citizen science, and modern molecular biology methods. Citizens who contributed to the project are especially welcome. We will present how participants collected samples from solar panels and how these samples are analysed using state-of-the-art molecular methods.
  • Rhythms in ecosystems, Rhythm of Science

Discover the results of the FungiVE citizen science project, where members of the public helped investigate fungi on solar panels and their detection using advanced molecular methods

free
open day lecture
general public secondary school pupils students
25 SEP 2026

The Journeys of Seeds

  • 9:00–13.00
  • Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, Trenta, 5232 Soča
  • primary school pupils, children, public
  • The rhythms of plant life

In this workshop, we will learn about the different ways seeds are dispersed.

free
workshop
general public children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

The Rhythms of Plants in the Alps

  • 9:00–13.00
  • Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, Trenta, 5232 Soča
  • primary school pupils, children, public
  • The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems

We’ll find out how plants know when it’s time to grow and flower, and how they survive in the challenging mountain environment.

free
workshop
general public children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Lecture: Soundscape - what it is?

  • 18:20-19:00
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • For individuals of all age groups
  • The rhythms of animal life, Rhythms in ecosystems

People most often describe and evaluate the landscape based on sight. However, landscapes also contain a vast amount of acoustic information, which, much like visual information, changes with time and space, and is increasingly being used in biodiversity research

free
general public secondary school pupils adults
25 SEP 2026

Exploring the rhythms of life in the sea

  • 20:00-22:00
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • children, families
  • The rhythms of animal life

Participants will learn about the importance of circadian rhythms and how disruptions, such as light pollution, can affect the health and behaviour of both wildlife and humans.

free
workshop
families children
25 SEP 2026

Animal Tracks

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

Careful observation in nature reveals footprints, droppings, feeding marks, scratches or rubs, hair, shed skins and feathers, paths, dens, and resting sites. These traces allow us to identify…

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

GPS Tracking Devices

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

GPS tracking devices make it possible to follow the movements of animals in the wild. They provide valuable data on migration patterns, feeding grounds, and behavioural habits.

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

Thermal Imaging Cameras

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

Thermal imaging cameras offer a means of studying animal behaviour, daily and nightly activity rhythms, and habitat use, particularly in areas that are otherwise difficult to access. The…

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

Acoustic Monitoring

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

The recognition and study of animal sounds are essential for understanding communication, behaviour, and ecology. By analysing call frequencies, researchers can identify specific patterns and extract vital information…

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

Call Playback

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

Using call playback techniques helps researchers study animal behaviour, habitat size, and population trends. This approach contributes both to a better ecological understanding of species and to more…

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

Bioluminescence and Reflective Adaptations

  • 18.00-21.00
  • ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana
  • Families, teenagers, children, seniors
  • Rhythm of Science

Some animals are capable of producing and emitting light, while others reflect and amplify it to improve their orientation in the environment. Studying these abilities provides insights into…

free
workshop
families children teenagers seniors
25 SEP 2026

Photo Hunt

  • 09:00 - 10:15, 16:00 - 17:15, 17:30 - 21:00
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • organized school groups and free admission for the general public
  • Rhythms in ecosystems, Rhythm of Science

At the NIB Open Day, we will explore the world of molds, mycotoxins, and food safety through a photography exhibition, hands-on experiments, microscopic observations, and photography.

free
workshop
general public primary school pupils secondary school pupils teachers
25 SEP 2026

Exploring the rhythms of life in the sea

  • 20:00-22:00
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • children, families
  • The rhythms of animal life

Life in the sea follows natural rhythms shaped by the tides, the cycle of day and night, and the phases of the Moon, and participants will discover these fascinating phenomena and their influence on marine life.

free
workshop
families children
25 SEP 2026

A PhD within the European MSCA DN network LongTREC: how the next generation of RNA sequencing helps us study plants under stress

  • 19:45-20:00
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is aimed at researchers and the interested public.
  • The rhythms of plant life, Rhythm of Science

An overview of the European project LongTREC (MSCA Doctoral Network), in which the National Institute of Biology (NIB) develops new bioinformatics workflows for the analysis of long-read RNA transcriptomes and applies them to studies of plant responses to various stressors.

free
lecture
general public students researchers
25 SEP 2026

Super potatoes: when heat, drought and floods strike at the same time

  • 19:30–19:45
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is aimed at researchers and the interested public.
  • The rhythms of plant life, Rhythm of Science

By combining data at multiple biological levels, scientists have demonstrated in potatoes that responses to heat, drought and flooding are intertwined, paving the way for the targeted breeding of climate-resilient potatoes.

free
expert talk live discussion with researchers
general public students researchers
25 SEP 2026

Wildlife Monitoring with Modern Technology

  • 8:45-11:30
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • For individuals of all age groups, school groups.
  • The rhythms of animal life

Methods and results of monitoring and studying wildlife in their natural habitat using modern devices, such as recorders, transmitters, etc., will be presented.

free
open day
general public primary school pupils secondary school pupils adults
25 SEP 2026

Exploring the hidden rhythms in communication of plants and animals

  • 14:15-17:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • primary and secondary school pupils
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life

Visitors will explore the hidden rhythms of communication among organisms through hands-on, interactive demonstrations, listening to the vibrational communication of insects and smelling chemical signals used by plants and insects, while discovering how these signals change over time and how human activities can disrupt such communication.

free
live discussion with researchers quiz open day immersive experience
primary school pupils secondary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Astronomy night

  • 20:00-22:00
  • schools around Slovenia
  • elementary school children
  • Rhythms of the Universe, Rhythm of Science

Night sky observation for local groups of primary school students as part of the Vesela šola project.

free
astronomical observation
primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

From research to diagnostics to research…

  • 8:45–17:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • for organised school groups of grammar school and secondary school pupils
  • The rhythms of plant life

An interactive look inside diagnostic and research laboratories.

free
interactive science presentation open day
secondary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Hidden gene hunt

  • 9:00-10:15 in 15:00-17:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • for organised school groups
  • The rhythms of plant life

What’s hidden in the pattern? Are you curious? 🧪 Perhaps a healthy green smoothie to combat autumn fatigue? 🌱 Perhaps green algae, tiny organisms that produce oxygen for…

free
treasure hunt
primary school pupils secondary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Guided tour of the laboratories

  • 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The rhythms of plant life

Research work progresses from an idea, through a hypothesis and an experiment, to a new idea. Modern research equipment plays a vital role in this cycle, without which…

free
interactive science presentation
general public
25 SEP 2026

When a scientist is left alone in the wilderness

  • 20:00–21:00
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is aimed at the general public.
  • Rhythms in ecosystems

How does a researcher cope when there is no longer a laboratory, equipment or comforts – but only the wilderness, their own knowledge and survival skills? Žiga Ogorelec,…

free
live discussion with researchers lecture
general public
25 SEP 2026

Film screening at the National Institute of Biology

  • 16:00–17:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is aimed at the general public.
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems, Rhythm of Science

As part of the event, two videos produced by the National Institute of Biology will be screened. The NIB Biotechnology Hub – from construction site to state-of-the-art research…

free
film
general public
25 SEP 2026

Cyanobacteria in Slovenian lakes

  • 19:45–20:00
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • The event is aimed at the general public.
  • Rhythms in ecosystems, Rhythm of Science

At the Department of Genetic Toxicology, Biotechnology and Systems Biology (GEN), we research processes that are important for human health and the environment. Visitors will be able to…

free
lecture
general public
25 SEP 2026

Test your knowledge!

  • 16:00-24:00
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • children, families
  • The rhythms of animal life

Participants will learn about the importance of circadian rhythms and how disruptions, such as light pollution, can affect the health and behaviour of both wildlife and humans.

free
quiz
families children adults
25 SEP 2026

They fly away in autumn and return in spring

  • 18:00-20:00
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • children, families
  • The rhythms of animal life

Exploring the rhythms of migratory animals, their causes and purposes, and the importance of scientific research in bird ecology, aimed at their conservation and the prevention of human threats

free
workshop
families children
25 SEP 2026

Ethnological Arts and Crafts Workshop: Discovering Nature through the Cultural Heritage of Pohorje

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems, Rhythms of the past for the present

The Ethnological Arts and Crafts Workshop is a free interactive activity where young participants explore natural rhythms and patterns, the cultural heritage of Pohorje, and the connections between nature, tradition and human creativity through creative activities and experiential learning.

free
workshop
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Autumn Clothing and Fashion Accessories Swap

  • 15:00 – 18:00
  • City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • general public, adults, seniors, students
  • Rhythms in ecosystems, When the rhythm of life is disrupted, Rhythms of the past for the present, Rhythms of the future

Join us for a clothing and fashion accessories swap in the historic setting of the atrium at the City Museum of Ljubljana. Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe – this time in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and sociable way.

free
general public students adults seniors
25 SEP 2026

What Do the Sounds of Nature in Pohorje Tell Us?

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems

What Do the Sounds of Nature in Pohorje Tell Us? is an interactive experience where young participants explore the diversity of Pohorje’s ecosystems through listening, sound recognition and nature exploration. They discover the often unnoticed life cycles of plant and animal species and learn about the importance of biodiversity conservation and well-functioning ecosystems.

free
immersive experience
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Legends of Pohorje in the Rhythm of Time

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • Rhythms of the past for the present

Legends of Pohorje in the Rhythm of Time is an interactive storytelling experience where young participants explore the rich mythological heritage of Pohorje through theatre and folk tales. They discover its close connection with nature and gain insight into the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage to future generations.

free
performance
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Hunting for the Hidden Treasures of Pohorje’s Water and Stone Cycles

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • Rhythms in ecosystems

Hunting for the Hidden Treasures of Pohorje’s Water and Stone Cycles is an interactive activity where young participants explore the natural environment of Pohorje, discovering its geological characteristics, the processes of the water cycle, and the role of wetlands and aquatic ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

free
interactive science presentation treasure hunt
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

How Can We Help the Hidden Heroes of Natural Cycles: Pollinators?

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems

How Can We Help Pollinators? is an interactive experience where young participants explore the vital role of pollinators in plant reproduction, maintaining ecological balance and supporting ecosystem services that are essential for both people and nature.

free
interactive science presentation
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

The Mysterious World of Bats

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life

The Mysterious World of Bats is an interactive experience where young participants explore both the myths and the realities of bats, discovering their seasonal life cycles and behaviours throughout the year. They will also learn why preserving habitats, cultural landscapes and biodiversity is important for bats and nature as a whole.

free
interactive science presentation
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

The Life Rhythms of Birds in Pohorje

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life

Life Rhythms of Birds in Pohorje is an interactive experience where young participants explore the diversity of Pohorje’s bird species through exploration, observation and experiential learning. They will learn about the life cycles of birds and the methods ornithologists use to study, monitor and document bird populations in their natural habitats.

free
interactive science presentation
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

The Mysterious World of Fungi

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • Rhythms in ecosystems

The Mysterious World of Fungi is an interactive experience where young participants explore one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of organisms in nature. While learning about fungal life cycles, their relationships with other organisms and their importance for forest ecosystems, participants will also use microscopes to discover the hidden details of fungal structures and reproduction that are invisible to the naked eye.

free
interactive science presentation hands-on experiment
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Wolf in Pohorje

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life

Wolf in Pohorje is an interactive experience where young participants explore the fascinating lives of wolves, their communication and social structure within the pack. They will also learn about the return of wolves to the Pohorje region and how researchers monitor their presence in the wild.

free
interactive science presentation lecture
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

The Rhythm of the Forest

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems

The Rhythm of the Forest is an interactive experience where young participants explore the main tree and shrub species of Pohorje through play and discovery. They will learn about the forest life cycle, its natural rhythms and seasonal changes, and gain an understanding of the vital role forests play as one of the most important ecosystems for supporting biodiversity and human well-being.

free
interactive science presentation interactive game
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

In the Rhythm of Pohorje’s Nature

  • 9.00 - 13.00
  • OŠ Lovrenc na Pohorju, Šolska ulica 6, 2344 Lovrenc na Pohorju
  • Schoolchildren, children, young people
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems, When the rhythm of life is disrupted

In the Rhythm of Pohorje’s Nature is an interactive experience where young participants explore the remarkable diversity of Pohorje’s ecosystems and discover the connections between plants, animals and their habitats. Through exploring natural cycles and ecological processes, they gain an understanding of how interdependent organisms contribute to the functioning, resilience and stability of the web of life.

free
workshop interactive game
children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

M_oder in the Rhythm of Archaeological Science

  • 18:00–20:00
  • City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • adults, students, seniors, researchers
  • Rhythms of the past for the present, Rhythm of Science

At two lectures held as part of M_oder, you will discover fascinating stories from the past through the research of two young archaeologists, learn about modern archaeological research methods, and explore different career paths within archaeology.

free
expert talk live discussion with researchers
students adults seniors researchers
25 SEP 2026

Exhibition opening: Soundscape - what it is?

  • 18:00-18:20
  • Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Muzejska ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana
  • For individuals of all age groups
  • The rhythms of animal life, Rhythms in ecosystems

People most often describe and evaluate the landscape based on sight. However, landscapes also contain a vast amount of acoustic information, which, much like visual information, changes with time and space, and is increasingly being used in biodiversity research

free
general public secondary school pupils adults
25 SEP 2026

Behind the Scenes of Archaeology: Public Guided Tour of the MGML Archaeological Centre

  • 17:00 - 18:00
  • MGML Archaeological Centre, Letališka 9a, 1000 Ljubljana
  • adults, seniors, students, researchers
  • Rhythms of the past for the present, Rhythm of Science

Are you curious about the journey archaeological finds take from discovery to their place in museum exhibitions? Join us for a guided tour of the Archaeological Centre of the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana.

free
live discussion with researchers immersive experience
students adults seniors researchers
25 SEP 2026

Sanja Nešković Peršin: Short Stories

  • Sanja Nešković Peršin: Kratke zgodbe
  • City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • General public, adults, seniors, students
  • When the rhythm of life is disrupted, Rhythms of the past for the present

The performance will take you on a visual and spatial journey exploring questions of freedom, love, desire, control, violence, and the search for ways out of the labyrinths shaped by our thoughts, relationships, and the times we live in.

free
performance
general public students adults seniors
25 SEP 2026

Mountain Biodiversity Under Threat in a Changing Climate

  • 11:30-14:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • For families and individuals of all age groups
  • The rhythms of animal life, Rhythms in ecosystems

An interactive lecture and a tour of laboratories and climate chambers will introduce visitors to the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems and demonstrate how these effects are studied under controlled laboratory conditions.

free
live discussion with researchers immersive experience
general public primary school pupils secondary school pupils adults
25 SEP 2026

Rhythm of Pollinators and Pollination

  • 9:00 - 21:00
  • Prešeren Square, Ljubljana
  • For families and individuals of all age groups
  • The rhythms of animal life, The rhythms of plant life, Rhythms in ecosystems

At our stand, visitors will discover the fascinating world of pollinators: how they live, why they are essential, what threatens them, how scientists study them, and how everyone can help protect them.

free
quiz interactive game
general public primary school pupils secondary school pupils adults
25 SEP 2026

The Journeys of Birds

  • 9:00–13.00
  • Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, Trenta, 5232 Soča
  • primary school pupils, children, public
  • The rhythms of animal life

In this workshop, we will learn how researchers collect data on the distribution and migration of birds.

free
workshop
general public children primary school pupils
25 SEP 2026

Open day at the Department of Genetic Toxicology, Biotechnology and Systems Biology

  • 8:45–17:15
  • National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 121, 1000 Ljubljana
  • organized school groups
  • Rhythms in ecosystems, When the rhythm of life is disrupted, Rhythm of Science

At the Department of Genetic Toxicology, Biotechnology and Systems Biology (GEN), we research processes that are important for human health and the environment. Visitors will be able to…

free
open day
secondary school pupils
26 SEP 2026

Truths and Myths about the Emonans: It Can’t Be True – But It Is!

  • 10:30 - 12:00
  • Meeting point: City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • adults, seniors, students, researchers
  • Rhythms of the past for the present

Join us for a playful guided tour of the Arheopark Emona, where we will separate fact from fiction about life in Roman times.

free
live discussion with researchers
families students adults seniors
26 SEP 2026

Into the World of Conservation and Restoration through QR Codes

  • 11:00 - 12:00
  • City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • General public, adults, students, researchers
  • Rhythms of the past for the present, Rhythm of Science

Discover the journey objects take before reaching museum exhibitions and get a glimpse behind the scenes of the work of conservator-restorers.

free
live discussion with researchers immersive experience
general public students adults researchers
26 SEP 2026

Sanja Nešković Peršin: Short Stories

  • 20:00–20:50
  • City Museum of Ljubljana, Gosposka 15, 1000 Ljubljana
  • General public, adults, seniors, students
  • When the rhythm of life is disrupted, Rhythms of the past for the present

The performance will take you on a visual and spatial journey exploring questions of freedom, love, desire, control, violence, and the search for ways out of the labyrinths shaped by our thoughts, relationships, and the times we live in.

free
performance
general public students adults seniors