Pint of Science festival returns to Coventry

Pint of Science is returning to Coventry this May as the city joins nearly 300 others across the globe to hold the festival.

Experts from the University of Warwick and Coventry will talk about their research between 20 and 22 May at the festival in a range of pubs across the city.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘What next?’, with the question being posed to researchers across various scientific disciplines.

Alison Phillips, Public Engagement Coordinator from the University of Warwick said: “It’s great to bring Pint of Science back to Coventry this year. The festival is an exciting opportunity for researchers from Warwick and Coventry to tell their research story to a local audience.

“There is some incredible work going on at both universities and it will have an impact on people’s lives, so come along to hear about some of the world class research developments, straight from the scientists, perhaps over a pint and a packet of crisps.”

Alex Baker from Warwick’s Chemistry department will deliver a talk on pregnancy and disease testing whilst Matthew Hoskin from the Physics department will speak on the fate of suns and planets. From Coventry University, Dr Rosa Kwok will discuss some of her research into a dyslexic mind.

Other topics include pollution, plastic and paramedics and other important issues such as sexual health, the importance of sleep.

The Pint of Science Festival presents important and fascinating science in a way that makes it feel like entertainment rather than learning

– Marta Zima

Venues include Backhaus and Co at Fargo Village, The Yard and Shopfront Theatre in the city centre, The Old Clarence in Earlsdon and the White Horse in Leamington Spa.

Third year Biomedical Science student, Marta Zima, attended the event last year. She said: “The Pint of Science Festival last year was an amazing event, and a fantastic break from revision. As a big fan of all things science, for me this event was the perfect combination of bite-sized science in a quirky and fun venue.

“At the talks I went to, I found myself really enjoying quite complex scientific concepts, as they were delivered by expert academics in a fun and interactive way. On top of that, I got to enjoy a freshly brewed pint of cider, which topped the evening off.

“The Pint of Science Festival presents important and fascinating science in a way that makes it feel like entertainment rather than learning.”

Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at Coventry University said: “We are really excited to be part of the Pint of Science festival for another year and to be taking some of our most interesting ideas and research projects out to pubs and bars across the region.

“Coventry continues to grow as a city of innovation with research that is changing lives in everything from engineering to healthcare.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to share and celebrate that, so join us to discover how our research is answering some of life’s most burning questions, and what impact big changes are having on you and your city.”

Tickets are available now for £4 from pintofscience.co.uk/events/coventry.