The open day event described in the poster focused on showcasing the process of detecting the quarantine pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in potatoes. This educational event was designed to spark curiosity and passion for scientific discovery among young attendees. It featured live demonstrations by researchers, explaining how to test potato tubers for the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum, and included interactive elements like questions and answer lift flaps to engage visitors. The event successfully attracted 550 high school students from across Slovenia, demonstrating a high level of interest in plant health and the importance of scientific knowledge in public safety. 

To bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, the National Institute of Biology (NIB) hosted an open day on September 29th, 2023, coinciding with the European Researchers' Night. This event, attended by 550 high school students from across Slovenia, showcased diverse research endeavours at NIB, emphasizing the practical impact of science in daily life. The presentation considered the expertise and level of scientific knowledge of the target audience. One of the key highlights was the official bacteriology laboratory's demonstration of testing potato tubers for Ralstonia solanacearum, the bacterium responsible for potato brown rot. The official laboratory diagnosis of this bacteria, which we carry out at the NIB, prevents these bacteria from entering Slovenia and causing damage to our food production. This interactive session, held in our quarantine station, included hands-on experiences on how the tubers are prepared for testing, an informative poster, and a time-lapse video showing the disease's progression. The event's success was marked by the high engagement of attendees, evident from their enthusiastic participation and insightful questions. The opportunity for students to don lab coats and witness research processes firsthand resonated particularly well, underscoring the importance of experiential learning. Reflecting on the event, we recognize the critical role of effective communication and communication strategies adapted to the target audience in making science relatable and inspiring to the younger generation. By sharing our work, we aim not only to disseminate knowledge but also to ignite curiosity and a lifelong passion for science.