Queen Mary ‘Pint of Science’ brings scientists out of the lab and in to your local pub

The Pint of Science is the world’s largest festival of public science talks, which will see more than 25 Queen Mary scientists take to the stage in pubs across London. The festival brings a unique line up of talks, demonstrations and live experiments to the nation’s favourite local pubs.

Tickets were launched this week for the three-day festival where thousands of scientists around the world will speak about their research. In nearly 300 cities across 21 countries, members of the public will have the chance to ask them questions.

‘Chromosome Cocktails’

Queen Mary researchers will talk about a variety of topics at pubs across the city, including The Crown Tavern and The Horseshoe in EC1, and The Water Poet and The Griff Inn in E1.

Postdoctoral researcher at the William Harvey Research Institute, Dr Giulia De Rossi said: “I’ve been coordinating Pint of Science-QMUL for 5 years now and it’s always great to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the speakers and, most of all, of the attendees during the actual events.”

Tickets are available from the Pint of Science website with each evening costing £4. Attendees in London will enjoy a variety of exciting talks including:

• Moon and Mars direct: How can we open the space frontier within a decade?
• Chromosome Cocktails: How and why do cancer cells mix their genetic material?
• Tales from the AI war on culture: The computer that composes an endless number of folk tunes.
• The madding crowd: Does urban living affect psychosis risk?

Alongside the main talks, each evening will also include a range of science-inspired activities including live bands, comedy, quizzes, games, geeky puzzles, engaging stories and other interactives.

Personal touch to science

Pint of Science was established six years ago by a group of UK-based postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers and has grown into one of the world’s biggest science festivals. The founders, Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin, have brought a personal touch to science, giving everyone the chance to meet the people behind the incredible research taking place across the globe.

“There is so much fascinating research happening right under our noses that we don't know about,” says festival co-founder Dr Paul. “Some can get lost in translation leading to fake news. Pint of Science allows people direct access to inspiring scientists and encourages open discussion, all in the most familiar of British places, the pub! Scientists drink pints too - they really aren't that different!”

More information

• Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Queen Mary University of London.