College of Science & Engineering

Pint of Science – an international science festival organised by PhD students - was held in Glasgow from 23-25^th May. It is the 

third time that Pint of Science has taken to the local pubs in Glasgow and the third time that the events here have been organised by PhD students from across the College of Science and Engineering, with help from students at the University of Strathclyde.

Pint of Science is a non-profit public engagement event that was founded four years ago by two UK researchers and has rapidly spread throughout the UK and the rest of the world. The event sees thousands of scientists simultaneously talking about their research in 100 cities across 12 countries. It gives an amazing opportunity for people of all ages and all walks of life to join in discussions on current research (research which is often publically funded). Everything takes place in the unique setting of the world’s favou‌rite watering-holes, breaking down any barriers that might otherwise prevent people from engaging with scientists and showing that science can be made accessible to everyone. Not only is this festival a brilliant opportunity for the public to hear about cutting-edge research but also an enlightening and inspirational opportunity for scientists to engage with those who their research might affect.

Four teams worked together to organise and host three sold-out nights. The themes this year were: Planet Earth, Our Body, Atoms to Galaxies and Tech Me Out, covering everything from the recent discovery of gravitational waves to discussions about climate change, how to build a death star and developments in cancer research (sponsored by Cancer Research UK). Most of the speakers were scientists from across Scotland and a couple came in from further afield just to present at this spectacular event.

For the second year in a row pint of science was trending on social media for all three nights! And, in Glasgow a total of over 825 people attended the events engaging with more than 50 academics.

This festival is growing each year in Glasgow and having an increasing impact across the city in regards to highlighting the research that is being carried out at the University and across Scotland. I hope you will join us for Pint of Science 2017!

by Sapphire Wanmer

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Pint of Science - Official Website

First published: 15 June 2016