On September 26th, 2025, GlycoNovi DCs Ileana Žeravica (DC01) and Siyu Lin (DC09) participated in Bright Night, held in Florence — an event aimed at bringing research closer to the public.
In collaboration with ENSCC students, they prepared an interactive stand showing that carbohydrates are part of almost everything around us — from clothing fibres and skincare products to food and everyday materials. Visitors could try simple experiments, learn about the GlycoNovi network through posters, and enjoy a bit of science fun with a cotton candy machine that was especially popular among children.
Throughout the evening, people of all ages stopped by to talk, ask questions, and discover more about the role of carbohydrates in science and daily life. It was a lively experience that highlighted how chemistry connects to the world around us and how scientific outreach can make research both accessible and enjoyable.
The event also provided an excellent opportunity for our DCs to engage with the local community, and exchange ideas with other young researchers and students.