Pint of Science is entering its sixth year

Science on tap: Pint of Science Festival comes to Exeter this May

Leading experts in science from the University of Exeter will bring their research from the lab to the pub for the UK’s largest festival of public science talks.

From Stars, Planets and Disks to the Wonderful World of Worms, three pubs in Exeter will be opening their doors to scientists and science-enthusiasts for three nights. Researchers from the University will share their knowledge on a wide range of topics, including dementia, diabetes, illusions, love, and nanotech.

The event will run from Monday 20th – Wednesday 22nd May, at The City Gate, Henry’s Bar and The Exonian, with additional events at the Royal Albert Memorial museum (RAMM). Tickets are selling fast and can be booked here, costing only £4.

The four main themes include Beautiful Minds (psychology and neuroscience), Our Bodies (biology), Atoms to Galaxies (physics and astrophysics), and Planet Earth (geography).

Talks include PhD researcher Nicola Jeffery’s ‘To B or not to B: Cell identity in Type 2 Diabetes’, and PhD researcher Mengya Zhao’s ‘Self-compassion: a new way to improve mental health in adolescents’, among others.

The annual international event sees thousands of scientists engaging with the public in over 50 cities across nine countries.

The festival was founded six years ago by two researchers based in London. Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin wanted to bring a personal touch to science, and to shed some light on the world-leading research taking place in universities across the country.

Festival co-founder, Dr Michael Motskin, said: “Science can often get lost in translation, leading to the spread of pseudo-science and myths. The best way to overcome this is for people to be able to talk to scientists directly in a familiar environment, such as in a pub over a pint.

“We are in awe of how big the festival has become over the years, demonstrating the thirst there is to hear science from the source – the scientists. The festival gives everyone the chance to pick the brains of some of the UK’s most brilliant academics, breaking down barriers and giving unrivalled access to the people behind the science.”

The four main themes include Beautiful Minds (psychology and neuroscience), Our Bodies (biology), Atoms to Galaxies (physics and astrophysics), and Planet Earth (geography).

Date: 3 May 2019