The Salk Institute for Biological Studies will open its doors Saturday, April 11, for the third annual Explore Salk, an annual event featuring staff-guided lab tours, self-guided architectural tours, science booths and talks by eminent Salk researchers. Family-friendly activities include a Kids’ Discovery Zone, a mobile science lab with hands-on experiments and a virtual lab tour with a question-and-answer session for preteens interested in pursuing a career in science. New this year is a small-group, hands-on lab tour for guests who want a more in-depth experience and the chance to ask questions of the researchers. There is a $25 materials fee per person, and registration is required. A lab tour will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at two laboratories where research is conducted in neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology and related disciplines. Participants for either lab tour must be 16 years of age or older. Two science talks will be given during the second half of the day. The first will be by Saket Navlakha, a Salk assistant professor, who will address “How Biology Solves Technology Problems.” Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute, will deliver a talk based on his most recent book, “The Patient Will See You Now: The Future of Medicine is in Your Hands.” Explore Salk begins at 10 a.m. and ends by 4 p.m. at the facility, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road. Admission is free. For details about the day’s schedule, visit salk.edu/exploresalk or contact [email protected] or (858) 597-0657.