The Hormel Institute will host three one-hour tours on Thursday as part of its only summer open house of the year for anyone interested in learning more about its cutting-edge cancer research, seven-decade history and 2014-15 major expansion.

“Our open house is just one of the ways all of us at The Hormel Institute can show our deep appreciation for the continuing and exceptional support we receive throughout the year from our community for our cancer research,” Executive Director Dr. Zigang Dong said in a press release. “Community support is vital for ensuring progress continues to be made in the fight against cancer.”

Attendees will hear a presentation about The Hormel Institute’s history and cancer research before going on a walking tour of the Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities that were part of a 2006-2008 expansion and renovation project of its 1960 building. Both the lobby’s Donor Recognition Wall and Cancer Memorial Wall will be updated for the open house.

Thursday’s tours also will give people the chance to view some of the fruits and vegetables that contain compounds used in the Institute’s cancer research, put on 3-D glasses to see a 3-D example of the cancer research related to natural compounds, and stand next to its two IBM supercomputers that greatly accelerate discoveries.