Raise a glass to science at pub lectures

A PUB night out in Cardiff could see you heading home knowing more about how the earth moves and what life looks like on other planets.

Scientists from Cardiff University are going to the pub to explain their research, as the world’s largest festival of public science talks arrives in Wales for the first time.

Next month’s event will see 24 scientists take to the stage in pubs across the city where they will be talking about topics from how the earth moves to alien life, global warming and cancer.

The international three-day Pint of Science festival, from May 15 to 17, will see thousands of scientists simultaneously standing up and telling the public about their research in more than 100 cities across 12 countries.

Founded five years ago by two UK researchers, the festival brings talks, demonstrations and live experiments to the nation’s favourite locals.

Cardiff University scientists will be speaking at venues including O’Neills, The Old Market Tavern, The Little Man Coffee Co and 10 Feet Tall.

Professor Paul Pearson, from the university’s School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, will be leading punters through a journey from the geological past to the present and the future in a talk entitled When Britain baked: global warming from the geological past to the present and future.

Dr Matt Smalley, from the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, will discuss the myth of the “magic bullet” as a cure for all cancer, and how researchers at Cardiff University are showing tailored treatments early in tumour development are key to the success of cancer treatments.

Alongside the main talks, each evening will also include a range of fun, science-related activities including live experiments, quizzes, puzzles, stories and other interactive activities.

“Bringing Pint of Science to Wales for the first time has been an entirely student-led effort, which is testament to how proud we are of the research we do,” event organisers Emma Campbell and Alex Baker said.

“As scientists, we are trying to make a difference all over the world and in our case that starts at home, here in Cardiff.”

Pint of Science was launched five years ago by a group of UK-based postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.

Festival founders Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin wanted to give everyone the chance to meet the people behind research taking place in universities across the country.

Dr 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.”

Admission to each evening is £4 and tickets are available from www. pintofscience.co.uk/events/cardiff