The Research Centre Juelich (Forschungszentrum Juelich), is one of the largest publicly funded research labs in Germany, employing over 4000 staff working on a wide range of disciplines in health, IT, environmental science and energy. Every two or three years the centre opens its doors to the inquisitive public, and this year it's throwing a party to celebrate 50 years of gazing into the 'future'.

This year's Curiosity Day, or Tag der Neugier, is on Sunday the 10th September, from 11am to 5pm, and it's free! Attractions include a Laser Show; a hands-on Discovery Trail for 6-12 year-olds; rides on JuMOVe2 - a fuel-cell-powered scooter; video games on a 3D cinema screen; human table-football (!); plus of course visits to the labs themselves, where you can see genuine white-coated boffins in action. There'll also be a stage-show with bands Wonderwall and The Mighty Sleepwalkers, plus plenty of entertainment for the little'uns.

To get to Juelich, follow the maps on the website - you either take the A4 from Cologne or Aachen and come off at the Dueren exit, or the A44 from Duesseldorf, exit Juelich. Parking is available outside the perimeter or in Juelich itself; a free bus shuttle will get you to the centre.