The International Day of Children’s Universities

Here, there and everywhere!

Children’s Universities are loved by scientists and children at many universities. But Children’s Universities are more than just a regional phenomenon – they are a movement with many members from all over the world!
Together, we believe that equal opportunities in education have a positive impact on the future! Let’s celebrate this together on the first International Children’s University Day!

Curiosity has no borders – let’s celebrate a world of questions and answers!

In 2026, the International Day of Children’s Universities celebrates its third year – and the movement keeps growing. Institutions and children’s university programs worldwide are opening their doors (and screens) to young explorers everywhere.

Want to get involved? Check in with your local Children’s University or look up #IDCU to find activities, events, and inspiration near you.

Background and Idea

Promoting and empowering young people in the field of science and research is an essential task of a modern knowledge society that strives for a future-oriented and sustainable development of our planet. Only with an informed and scientific literate civil society, the complex challenges of protecting and preserving our habitats and social achievements be secured – and this particularly calls for young people who grow up with an understanding of basic scientific principles, critical thinking and unbiased curiosity.

The many Children’s University programmes around the globe help to ensure that children’s needs and perspectives are not neglected in the rapidly changing world – and its relation with university research and educational opportunities. Children’s Universities take a very close look at social injustices and support children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular. By presenting research, science, arts and humanities in all their diversity and possibilities in authentic ways, they make an important contribution to the tasks facing society as a whole in the field of education and science.

From 2024, the International Day of Children’s Universities will be celebrated on the 11 April. This initiative is launched by eucu.net – the European Network of Children’s Universities. On this day, awareness-raising measures and campaigns will be carried out to make the important role of Children’s Universities and related programmes more visible to the public.

Implementation

Organisers of Children’s University programmes will find additional information here.