Once again, the Macaronight 2025 edition brought together science and society across the Macaronesian archipelagos of Madeira, the Azores (Portugal), Gran Canaria, and Tenerife (Spain). As part of the European Researchers’ Night, the event was held between 24 and 26 September, and focused on the European Missions, with particular emphasis on Mission Restoring our Oceans and Waters and Mission Adapting to Climate Change. 

In the Azores, the Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT) represented the BlueMissionAA project alongside the Regions4Climate project. Both initiatives shared a common space under the theme “Mission Explorers: Protecting the Ocean and Climate,” offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the EU Missions and their role in restoring marine ecosystems and building climate resilience.

The FRCT team designed interactive and educational activities that combined play, creativity, and science. Activities included a large floor board game representing the challenges of ocean restoration and climate resilience, and a collaborative mural of São Miguel Island featuring nature-based solutions for environmental challenges.

Over three days, Macaronight Azores 2025 attracted more than 2,500 participants, including around 40 researchers, over 1,200 students, 50 teachers from primary to secondary schools, and more than 1,200 individual visitors – mostly parents and children.

By combining education with interaction and creativity, Macaronight 2025 facilitated connections between researchers and citizens. The event highlighted the importance of actionable solutions for environmental protection and demonstrated how public engagement can support efforts to restore ecosystems and build climate resilience.