What is it like to study the ocean at a world-class research institute? On July 14, you have the opportunity to find out. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences will host its annual open house from 10 am to 2 pm at its campus in East Boothbay. Laboratory scientists and staff have prepared a wide range of demonstrations and activities, where visitors of all ages will be introduced to robotic research aides, meet some of the smallest sea life on the planet, and learn about Bigelow Laboratory’s research around the world.

“As a nonprofit research institute, we rely on the support of our community -- here in Boothbay, around the state, and across the country,” said Benjamin Twining, Bigelow Laboratory’s interim executive director. "Science is as much about sharing as it is about discovering, and we are really excited to open our doors and share some of the incredible things we’ve been working on.”

There is a full schedule of opportunities to get hands-on with ocean science, as well as a series of short talks that provide a more in-depth look at the Laboratory’s research. Visitors can try out oceanographic research equipment and use microscopes to view live plankton caught from the dock. During the talks, Bigelow scientists will cover topics ranging from the Laboratory's testing for biotoxins in seafood to its collection of marine algae – which is the largest and most diverse in the world.

The event is free and open to the public. Community members of all ages are invited to attend and be a part of the cutting-edge ocean science at Bigelow Laboratory. See the full schedule of activities and talks at www.bigelow.org/openhouse.