Science is leaving the lab and heading to the pubs and bars of Nottingham as one of the world’s largest festivals of public science returns to the city, and tickets for this popular event have been launched today (9 April).
The three day ‘Pint of Science’ festival has become a popular fixture on the event calendar and kicks off on the 14th May. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with more than 60 scientists giving talks and demonstrations on a range of fascinating subjects including: flying spiders, virtual reality, quantum physics with heavy metal and virtual reality at the airport.
Global event
Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University are joining scientists from around the world for this event which takes place in nearly 300 cities across 21 countries. They are bringing a unique line up of talks on a range of fascinating topics to pubs across the city, including: The Lacehouse, The Canalhouse, Rough Trade, The Waterfront, Bunkers Hill, The Angel Microbrewery and The National Videogame arcade.
This years festival has expanded on last year’s success and will be covering a range of themes: ‘Planet Earth’, ‘Tech Me Out’, ‘Our Society’, ‘Our Body’, ‘Atoms to Galaxies’, ‘Beautiful mind’ and a new special theme focussed around the science of Nottingham called ‘Nottingham frontiers’.
Alongside the main talks, each evening will also include a range of science-inspired activities including real scientific data, comedy, quizzes, games, geeky puzzles, engaging stories and virtual reality demons.
Getting the facts right
Hannah Tomlin is a Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Nottingham and is one of the event co-ordinators, she said: ‘Pint of science is a brilliant way to communicate real research and encourage non-scientists to feel more comfortable understanding and discussing complex scientific concepts. This also helps people distinguish science fact from science fiction with stories they hear in the media!’
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!"
Creative Reactions
Creative Reactions is also returning to Nottingham as part of the festival. This is a programme where artists and scientists partner to inspire each other and produce incredible artworks inspired by scientists’ research, such as poetry centred on quantum physics, improv comedy based on scientists short monologues, temporary tattoos inspired by sustainability and much more. These works break down barriers and encourage creativity for both parties and the results are breath-taking.
Tickets are available from the Pint of Science website with each evening costing just £4.