Children and adults alike will get a chance to check out what science we do, yet again this year, at our 6th annual Community Open Day.

This rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and visit our cutting edge laboratories will take place on Saturday 7 May. Visitors will be able to see where research to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges is carried out and speak to our world class scientists.

One of the tours includes our Fly Facility. Visitors will get the chance to understand how the humble fruit fly is opening up our understanding of a range of conditions and behaviours, such as aggression and motivation.

There will also be plenty of hands on activities. From creepy crawlies to baby fish, microbes to animal-eating plants there will be lots of fantastic things to see and do. Visitors will also find themselves getting up close and personal to an array of insects and amphibians.

Younger visitors will have the chance to get messy painting with maggots, an unusual and hands-on activity combining art and science – the live maggots are dipped in non-toxic paint and allowed to crawl around the paper to create unique and colourful paintings. There will also be craft activities, free professional face painting and ‘Mad Science’ shows.

The Open Day takes place from 10am – 2pm on Saturday 7 May in the Michael Smith Building, off Dover Street, at the heart of the University campus. Everyone is welcome to this free event and there is no need to book. Free parking is available on site.

For futher information about the open day please contact Natalie Liddle.