Every now and then it’s nice when someone throws you a party to show you’re appreciated (hint hint Nature’s news editors). Tonight Europe does this for all the Union’s researchers.

That’s right science fans, tonight is European Researchers’ Night!

In Rome, guests at the planetarium will be able to listen to discussions of teleportation and invisibility … and then party. Spain’s Royal Botanic Garden in Madrid will supply music for their party by using pond bacteria to power an iPod playing Handel’s Water Music.

Meanwhile, Hungary will host an event featuring “the adventures of a brave heroine who combines chemical compounds to fight an evil wizard”. Perhaps the best option though will be Hamburg, where a symphony orchestra will “integrate natural sounds” into a unique musical piece raising awareness of biodiversity.

We’re not quite sure what’s going down in Malta, as their poster for the night is slightly ambiguous (not to mention disturbing). Even the neighbours have been invited to join in: non-member states Iceland, Israel, Turkey and Norway are all hosting researchers’ night parties. Check the map for full details.

Even if you can’t make it to an official Researchers’ Night Event, we at Nature hope you will raise a glass wherever you may be, and toast those who strive for science. Cheers! Prost! Santé! Salud! Etc!