Servus, Munich’s Long Night of Museums has vintage cars, a DNA lab and science shows among its highlights. Elsewhere, Bavaria and Québec opened a robotics funding call, TUM launched an organoid centre, and Bavaria is expanding in-person help with online services. FAU researchers also contributed to the IceCube observatory behind this year’s Nobel-winning work.

1. What to see at Munich’s Long Night of Museums

This year’s event features a varied programme, including vintage cars, a DNA laboratory, science shows and exhibitions about Bavaria’s past. The report previews highlights across participating museums in Munich.

Why this matters: If you live in or near Munich, the event offers an evening chance to explore the city’s museums and science venues in one outing.

Source: Abendzeitung München

2. Bavaria and Québec launch a joint robotics research fund

Bavaria and Québec have renewed their research partnership and opened a joint funding call for projects in practical, human-centred robotics and artificial intelligence. The three-year programme will provide €675,000 from Bavarian sources for up to three projects, with Québec contributing a similar amount; registration is due by 13 October 2026 and applications close on 16 November.

Why this matters: If you work or study in research, AI or robotics in Bavaria, the programme could create funding and collaboration opportunities with Québec institutions.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

3. TUM opens a centre to grow miniature human organs

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich’s new Center for Organoid Systems will grow small organ-like models from human cells. They aim to use them to study common diseases, tailor treatments, reduce animal testing and, over time, explore ways to replace damaged organs.

Why this matters: For people living in Bavaria, this research could eventually contribute to more personalised medical care, although the work is still at a research stage.

Source: Abendzeitung München

4. Bavaria funds more local help with online services

Bavaria is providing nearly €987,000 for the “zusammen digital” programme from 2026 to 2029, with the aim of expanding its in-person digital advice desks to as many as 100 locations. Trained volunteers help people use smartphones and computers, and the expanded service will also support residents with online applications and digital government services.

Why this matters: If online forms or local government services are difficult to navigate, these advice desks may offer face-to-face help in participating Bavarian towns and districts.

Source: Bayerisches Landesportal

5. FAU researchers helped advance the Nobel-winning neutrino observatory

Physicist Francis Halzen received the Nobel Prize for work connected to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg were among the roughly 450 experts whose contributions helped make the project possible.

Why this matters: For residents around Erlangen and Nuremberg, the story highlights the role local university researchers play in internationally recognised science.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

Before you go: Researchers interested in the Bavaria-Québec robotics fund need to register by 13 October.