One of the most influential scientists in history – who devised the system for naming plants and animals that is still used today – was born 300 years ago.
And to celebrate the birth of the famous Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, the University of Aberdeen launches a series of commemorative events with the first two beginning today.
Up to 20 pupils from the city's St Machar Academy are visiting the University's Natural History Centre for special Linnaeus workshops that will see the students carrying out lab work, going on museum trails and designing futuristic plants and animals that they will then have to give a Latin name.
These workshops are running until June 1 and are attracting pupils from schools across Aberdeen and the Shire.
But one of the highlights of today's event will be when young scientists get the opportunity to meetthe ancient scientist … or rather an actor dressed up as Linnaeus who will be dropping by.
Marie Fish, Linnaeus co-organiser and education assistant at the Natural History Centre, said: "Linnaeus had such a consuming interest in nature. It is wonderful to be able to share the process and discovery of his work with these enthusiastic youngsters in an imaginative way. I'm sure Linnaeus would approve!"
Other schools that are taking part in workshops over the next fortnight include St Margaret's School for Girls and Kincorth Academies, both Aberdeen, and Meldrum and Westhill Academies and The Gordon Schools, Huntly, in Aberdeenshire.
Also launching today at the University is a new exhibition at the Zoology Museum which looks at the life, scientific work and legacy of Linnaeus.
The exhibition will give an historical perspective of Linnaeus and his contribution to the classification of living organisms.
There will also be a number of smaller supporting exhibitions next week at the University's Special Libraries and Archives, Queen Mother Library, the Institute for Medical Sciences and at Duthie Park in the middle of next month. These will focus on particular aspects of Linnaeus's work.
Exhibition curator and Linnaeus co-organiser Claire Smith said: "It is very exciting to highlight the contribution Linnaeus made to science. There are many events throughout the world celebrating Linnaeus' achievements and it is great to be a part of it. We hope that the smaller exhibitions around Aberdeen will allow everyone who wants to, the chance to see some of our museum treasure that relate to Linnaeus' work."
Meanwhile a special event is also planned for this coming weekend (May 26and 27) as part of the University's Linnaeus celebrations.
Hundreds of schoolchildren across the North-east entered a contest where they had to design a poster featuring a picture they had drawn, or a photo they had taken, of a plant or animal. The S1, S2 and S3 pupils were also asked to find out its Latin name and explain why they thought it was given this name.
Dr Andy Schofield, Lecturer and Academic Co-ordinator Promoting Science at the University, said: "We were really delighted by the overwhelming response we had to our competition. A total of 18 secondary schools from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire submitted entries to our competition, sending in an astonishing 458 posters. It is good to see that so many school pupils are enthusiastic about science and interested in the environment."
Well known TV gardener Jim McColl - from BBC's Beechgrove Garden - will announce the winner of the competition and the two runners up on Saturday as part of a weekend of Linnaeus celebrations at the Natural History Centre, Zoology Museum and the University's Cruickshank Botanic Garden.
The three will receive digital cameras with the first prize generously donated by John Lewis in Aberdeen.
The event is open to the public and is aimed at secondary schoolchildren and their families.
All of the posters that were submitted to the competition will also be on display at the Zoology Building which is where the Natural History Centre is based.
For more information see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/nhc/linnaeus/