Big NIOO Open Day 2026: Nature's networks

Save the date: on Saturday 3 October 2026, NIOO will open its doors again to visitors for our Big Open Day. From 11:00 to 17:00, everyone will be welcome. Seize your chance to take a look in our labs and experimental gardens: only possible once in every three years!

We are happy to share that we are preparing an action-packed programme. The theme: Nature's networks, as ecology is all about the relations between species and individuals. We love to share what ecology is, why it is important and what themes and subjects we are studying exactly. And we will not only do that by talking, but also by involving visitors in stories, games and experiments. During the day, (vegetarian) snacks and lunch can be bought. Coffee, tea and lemonade are for free.

Our open day is part of the national Science Weekend in the Netherlands.

A preview of what you can expect:

• Microbes around the world: fungae and bacteria from Galapagos to Greenland

• Phytoplankton museum: admire the beauty of planktonic plants

• Measure the water quality of the NIOO pond yourself

• Catch the waterflea

• Walk through the labs and have a look at real DNA

• The Migration Route Quest: which route does each bird species choose?

• Soil animal safari

• Help us choose: the insect species of the NIOO green roof needs a Dutch name!

• Science cafe: short lectures while enjoying a nice drink

• Grand tour around the premises