The first in the weekly summer-long series of public discussions about the latest ocean science topics is set for Tuesday, July 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House in Boothbay Harbor. Café Scientifique, hosted by Bigelow Laboratory for Oceans Sciences, will feature a presentation by Dr. Jarrod Scott, who will demystify how scientists explore microbial diversity. He will explain how our understanding of the microbes invisible to the naked eye have transformed as technologies have evolved.

A postdoctoral researcher at Bigelow Laboratory, the only independent research institution in the world that focuses primarily on microbial oceanography, Scott is particularly interested in the dynamics of marine microbial communities and the role microorganisms play in different marine environments, including the mid-ocean and its underwater mountains, called seamounts. His work has taken him on research expeditions to a variety of places including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Lo’ihi Seamount, and the Mariana Trench.

Part of the international Café Scientifique “movement,” these weekly conversations provide the public the opportunity to learn more about the latest ideas and issues in science and technology and discuss these issues with those directly involved. There are more than 150 science cafés organized over 42 countries. All Café Scientifique events are open to the public free of charge, and members of the press are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact dcrist@bigelow.org or call 207-315-2567, ext.103.