The science of gastronomy

Alba Junquera/ Irene Vega

The sixteenth European Researchers' Night in Madrid It includes a program with various activities, including “The Science of Gastronomy,” which will be held on Friday, September 26, at the Aranjuez Campus of the Rey Juan Carlos University.

This will be the first science outreach event of the 2025-2026 academic year, in which more than a dozen chemists, food technologists, historians, and nutrition experts will lead workshops aimed at showcasing the science behind food, recipes, and menu creation.

With the activity "A Collaborative Journey Through Gastronomy: In Search of a Time Capsule," participants will discover stories of entrepreneurial women in tourism and learn how they have improved their communities. In the history field, the workshops "Exploring the Origins of Food in the Neolithic," where they will explore foods from that historical period, and "The Table of Spanish Queens in the Modern Age," which will show what the queens of the Spanish monarchy ate in the Modern Age, stand out.

On the other hand, "Food Warriors: Don't Play with Food" is an activity that aims to raise awareness about food waste through virtual reality. The activities "Legumes: Foods of the Past or Superfoods of the Future?", "Herbs and Spices: Key Ingredients in Mediterranean Cuisine," and "Honey Tasting and Pairing with Bread: Enjoy a Sweet Experience" will showcase the benefits of these foods and their functions. Finally, "Food and Your Health: Discover the Hidden Secrets" will introduce attendees to basic nutritional concepts.

The scheduled activities will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 19:00 p.m. and require prior registration. Reservations can be made starting September 15th through the Events website of the URJC.

European project for scientific dissemination

Rey Juan Carlos University is a partner of NIGHTMADRID, coordinated by the madri+d Knowledge Foundation and funded by the European Union within Horizon Europe, a major EU research and innovation programme, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (with grant agreement number 101.162.110).

This consortium aims to foster scientific literacy in society at large and promote scientific vocations among young people. This event has traditionally been held simultaneously on the last Friday of September in 350 European cities since 2005.

The URJC's activities are coordinated by the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+I) of the Vice-Rector's Office for Research, Doctoral Studies and Library. They also collaborate with the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) – Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, through the Call for grants to promote scientific, technological, and innovation culture 2024.

Useful information

Activity title: The science of gastronomy.

Venue: San Carlos Hospital Building (C/Captain Angosto Gomez Castrillón, 91), Aranjuez Campus.

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. (official opening at 16:30 p.m.)

Reservations required: Yes, from 9:00 a.m. on September 15, 2025