Here’s a chance to see the marine science research happening inside Inner Harbor’s IMET

Among the pavilions, ships and aquarium, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is also home to a research center that’s bringing science to the waterside setting.

For the local tech community, the building known as Columbus Center with a tent-like roof along Pier V has played host to events like Light City’s daytime talks and Anchor Ventures. It’s also home to an incubator called Harbor Launch.

But in other parts of the building that aren’t normally open to the public, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) plays host to 21 faculty members. The center is a partnership between a trio of public universities: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, University of Maryland Baltimore County and University of Maryland, Baltimore. Much of the research is focused on the coastal systems and watersheds that are directly outside the center’s big windows.

“Our scientists conduct research to help protect and restore coastal marine systems and their watersheds and improve human health, from using marine organisms like sponges to develop sponges, to devising ways to make alternative fuel out of algae in the Chesapeake Bay, to understanding how crabs and fish grow so we have abundant sources of food,” said Dr. Russell Hill, the director of IMET.

On Saturday, May 4, IMET will be hosting an open house to offer the public a chance to see what’s inside. The goal is to show “how science at the Inner Harbor is making a difference to people who live in Maryland and around the world,” Hill said.

Have you ever wondered what happens in that unusual building with the tent-like roof on the #InnerHarbor? #Science happens! We are opening our doors to kids of all ages on May 4th. Find out about all the exciting activities here: https://t.co/o3KMyJOtgX pic.twitter.com/t98yehOUdK

— IMET (@IMET_USMD) April 29, 2019

“The public will be able to interact with our researchers through hands-on experiments and activities that will give kids of all ages a chance to play scientist for a day and learn about the important work happening right here at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor,” he said.

Some of the highlights include a behind the scenes tour that offers a chance to check out fish and crabs, as well as microscopic organisms known as “nature’s nightlight.”

Plus, there’s a boat involved: Attendees can board the UMCES Research Vessel Rachel Carson, which is moored right alongside the building. It’s specifically built for exploring the Chesapeake Bay.

The free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.