Outreach event with Deepak Pinto: University of Aberdeen Open Doors Day

As part of this year’s Open Day, doctoral candidate Deepak Pinto hosted a stall dedicated to raising awareness about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The stall was designed to be interactive and educational, welcoming people from all backgrounds to learn more about these fascinating — and sometimes dangerous — natural phenomena.

Visitors could:

• Explore a poster designed for all age groups to easily grasp key concepts.
• Handle 3D models of microalgae species to better understand their structure.
• Observe bloom-forming diatoms and dinoflagellates under the microscope, getting a close look at individual cells.
• Watch educational slides and presentations featuring striking images of algal blooms.
• Take home stickers of bloom-forming species as a fun reminder of their visit.

The day was filled with curiosity, insightful conversations, and many “wow” moments — showing just how powerful public engagement can be in sharing science.