A Pint of Science in the pub

Scientists from Physical Sciences and Engineering (FPSE) at the University of Southampton are heading out to the local pubs to present their latest pioneering research as part of the Pint of Science Festival.

Researchers from Physics and Astronomy and the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) will be hoping to interest local people in their fascinating discoveries when they give talks in their local watering holes later this month (May).

The annual Pint of Science Festival was launched three years ago and takes place in pubs around the globe. This year's festival runs from May 18-20 and brings some of the most brilliant scientists to venues across the UK to discuss their research and findings with members of the public in an accessible format - in the pub.

Southampton scientists will be hoping to intrigue people with a wide range of talks from Could We Really Survive a Mission to Mars, Adventures in the Outer Solar System, and Mum, Why's the Internet So Slow?

Michael Butler FPSE Associate Dean for Enterprise and Impact said: "We are delighted to support Pint of Science as it comes to Southampton for the first time. As researchers we feel it is vital to communicate with the public about the innovative work we are doing and how this can impact on our society and our world. What better and more accessible place to do that than in the pub.

“We hope that many people will come to the events, find out more about the research we are doing here at Southampton, and gain an interest in the world of physics and astronomy and optoelectronics."

Physics PhD student and event coordinator Nathan Shammah added: “By taking science to the pub, we hope to break down barriers and remove some of the mystery surrounding scientific research. Pint of Science is not a series of dull lectures but a chance to meet the real face of science, ask questions and have lots of fun!”

The following Atoms to Galaxies talks are due to take place at The Avondale House pub, Carlton Crescent, Southampton:

Monday May 18 The Coolest Stuff in the Universe – Dr Matt Himsworth When Light Meets Matter: A New Quantum Particle Unveiled – Dr Simone de Liberato The Sound of Quantum Music – Martin Fogel

Tuesday May 19 Nonlinear Light: From Missile Defence to Quantum Computers – Professor Peter Smith Mum, Why's the Internet So Slow? – Dr Francesca Parmigiani

Wednesday May 20 Adventures in the Outer Solar System – Dr Caitriona Jackman Could We Really Survive a Mission to Mars? – Dr Angelo N Grubisic

There are a wide range of other science talks happening across Southampton as part of Pint of Science, including The Beautiful Mind, Our Body and Planet Earth.