ABOUT US

Pint of Science is a grassroots non-profit organisation that has grown astronomically over the few years since two people decided to share their research in the pub. Although our mission has expanded, our core values remain the same: to provide a space for researchers and members of the public alike to come together, be curious, and chat about research in a relaxed environment outside of mysterious laboratories or daunting dark lecture theatres. We believe that everyone has a place at the table to discuss the research going on both on our doorsteps and far beyond. Our missions and visions are based around the people that matter most: our audience, volunteers, speakers, and our wider research community. 

​

Our Mission

• Develop a space where audiences are engaged with research; where walls are broken down and everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts, questions and ideas.

• Provide event organisers with the tools to allow them to use their own creativity and plan events showcasing the research that is going on in their area, whilst developing cross-disciplinary skills that will prove valuable in the workplace and beyond.

• Equip speakers with training to refine and develop their public engagement skills and give them the confidence to share their story in an approachable manner with a new audience.

• Push forward research and trust in science by encouraging open and transparent conversations between the research community and the wider public, and in turn develop a culture of good public engagement which is accessible to all.

​

​

Our Vision

• To foster an environment for the audience in which everyone is comfortable to attend, engage and cultivate curiosity.

• To instill confidence, nurture key skills and provide a platform for event organisers to carry out public engagement in the community.

• To inspire speakers to view public engagement as a creative outlet, and a worthwhile part of their work.

• To encourage a world where anyone can have an opinion on science, developing new research ideas through a conversation where everyone can be involved.

 

HISTORY

In 2012 Dr Michael Motskin and Dr Praveen Paul, two research scientists at Imperial College London, started and organised an event called ‘Meet the Researchers’ which brought people affected by Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis into their labs to show them the kind of research they do. It was inspirational for both visitors and researchers.

They thought if people want to come into labs to meet scientists, why not bring the scientists out to the people? And so Pint of Science was born.

 

In May 2013 they held the first Pint of Science festival which featured some of the biggest names in their fields to explain their ground-breaking work to lovers of science and beer. It was a phenomenal success of course!