Last Thursday, Santiago de Compostela’s Nave de Vidán hosted an unforgettable evening where science left the lab and took center stage. Nerd Nite—the global phenomenon that blends expert talks with nightlife—got a molecular makeover, courtesy of the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS). Since its arrival in Santiago in 2012, thanks to the vision of USC professor Jorge Mira, Nerd Nite has redefined science communication, proving that groundbreaking research and pop culture can share the spotlight.
This special edition took the audience on a journey into the molecular unknown. Rebeca García Fandiño (SIMBIOS group) opened with a bold question: «Are we living in a simulation?»—a provocative dive into the boundaries between fiction and reality. Next, Diego Peña, CiQUS’s scientific director, channeled Blade Runner with «Molecules You Wouldn’t Believe», unveiling the hidden world of single-molecule science. The night closed with Pablo del Pino (BioNanoTools), who bridged Asimov’s robotics laws with real-world nanomedicine, offering a glimpse into a future where tiny machines could revolutionize healthcare.
With humor, cultural nods, and hard science, the talks turned complex research into an engaging, accessible experience. The packed house was a testament to CiQUS’s mission: making science part of the conversation. As a Galician Government-accredited CIGUS center and a recipient of EU FEDER 2021-2027 funding, CiQUS is breaking down barriers—proving that chemistry and molecular materials aren’t just for labs or lecture halls. By bringing research to unexpected spaces, the center is fostering a culture where science isn’t just observed—it’s experienced.
