Big ideas on tap as ‘Pint of Science’ returns to Portsmouth
The annual festival is being held in May
Scientists and researchers will give science talks in Portsmouth pubs as part of an international festival next month.
The annual worldwide ‘Pint of Science’ festival is back and bigger this year, bringing an array of researchers to local pubs to mix socialising with science.
The event, which features around 450 events nationwide and around 3000 globally, brings a range of scientific topics into local pubs, giving attendees the chance to learn more in a relaxed, social setting.
Pint of Science is a non-profit organisation founded thirteen years ago by two UK researchers, with the aim of bringing scientists and the public together to explore a wide range of topics in an informal setting - opposed to a science lab.
In Portsmouth, events will be held at The Barley Mow, The Florence Arms, Guildhall Village and Keppel's Head Hotel on Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May.
This year features 26 speakers across nine evenings of talks, with each session lasting around 20 minutes, followed by a Q&A and activities including quizzes.
Topics include forensic science, the use of drones and AI in search and rescue, glacier research, neurodiversity and plastic pollution, among much more - offering something for everyone.
Dr Anthony Butcher, Programme Lead (Geography & Geosciences) at the University’s School of the Environment and Life Sciences and Pint of Science co-organiser, said: “This is a fun way to share our work and a valuable opportunity for our researchers to think about how they communicate what they do to a general audience.
“We have a mix of academic staff and PhD students taking part, and for many of them it’s a chance to step back and consider how to make complex ideas accessible to the public.”
Co-organiser Dr Luke Hauser, from the University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, added: “Portsmouth has a long-standing culture of civic engagement and Pint of Science embodies this by bringing world-class research directly into the community.
“This event is always popular, and this year one of our sessions has already sold out - something the national organisers have praised which is a clear sign of just how engaging it is.”