On 25 September 2026, the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), welcomed around 1,000 visitors to European Researchers’ Night 2026. Under this year’s theme, “Between Molecules and Colours”, the event brought science closer to the public through interactive experiments, demonstrations and discussions with researchers.
As part of the event, Dr. phys. Martins Zubkins, a member of the SWEB project team, demonstrated photochromic thin films that darken when exposed to light and return to their transparent state afterwards.
The demonstrations also featured photochromic coatings on flexible PET substrates produced using roll-to-roll deposition – a scalable manufacturing approach with potential applications in future smart window technologies.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore how these innovative materials work, ask questions and discover how research on smart windows could contribute to more energy-efficient buildings and sustainable technologies.
The activity provided an opportunity to share ongoing research with the wider public and highlight the practical potential of advanced thin-film materials.
European Researchers’ Night once again highlighted the importance of connecting science with society and inspiring curiosity about future technologies.
