What role does the fruit fly play in science, why are tardigrades so unusual, which genes make a cat have white patches, and how does climate change affect different populations? The University of Gdańsk took part in the nationwide Biologists' Night for the 14th time. The Faculty of Biology of UG and the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG prepared fascinating lectures, workshops, demonstrations and games related, among other things, to this year's event theme: The biology of climate change: heated.... losers?

As always, the action attracted numerous visitors of all ages. Primary and secondary school students had an excellent opportunity to learn about the university environment and the world of science in a fun and creative way. The stalls and exhibitions were very popular, as was the permanent exhibition of the Biology Department (aquaria, the fin whale skeleton, or the Museum of Amber Inclusions).

Attendees were able to find out how the phenotypes of their pet dogs and cats are formed. Those wishing to do so could ‘design’ their own cat and find out which genetic changes do not serve dogs. At the ‘Genetics in action’ stand, visitors could learn about the structure of DNA molecules and how climate change affects populations and the genetic variability of organisms. The fruit fly is hardly associated with anything out of the ordinary - and it turns out that in scientific research it has a function as a model organism that can help predict the impact of global warming on biodiversity, as temperature changes affect genetic and phenotypic variation in flies.

Those interested in plants were also able to find something to enjoy - such as an exhibition on the history of botanical collections. It provided an insight into the development of botanical knowledge, the forms of data collection and how they can be used in scientific research. It was a fascinating journey to learn about the world of botany and how people have used this knowledge over time. We also learned about the unique carnivorous plants, which are considered to be a particularly specialised ecological group that is highly susceptible to climate change. As part of the exhibition, their diversity, including how they attract, capture and digest prey.

The Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, in turn, prepared showcases with microbial cultures, models of antibodies, cells and viruses, a map of bacterial infections in the human body or a huge model of a tardigrade. One of the highlights of the evening was the escape room, where participants took on the role of anti-terrorists fighting the microbiological threat.

Lectures were an integral part of the event, presenting contemporary research and curiosities from various fields of biology in an accessible manner.

View coverage of the event on the faculties' websites:

Noc Biologów 2025 za nami! | Wydział Biologii Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego

Relacja z Nocy Biologów 2025 na MWB | Międzyuczelniany Wydział Biotechnologii UG i GUMed