Head to the pub for a ‘Pint of Science’ this May

The Pint of Science festival will bring scientists and their research into pubs across Salisbury this May.

From the 9th-11th of May 2022, 17 scientists will take to the stage at The Winchester Gate and Brown Street in Salisbury to share their findings on everything from mammal and forest conservation to virus hunting and archaeology.

Salisbury is just one of the places to join nearly 500 cities around the world that will be taking part in the global science festival.

Pint of Science founders Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin were UK research scientists in 2013 when they decided they could bring back the personal touch to science.

The festival showcases the brilliant work happening on people’s doorsteps. At the Pint of Science events, researchers can share their stories, and audiences have the opportunity to ask questions about the science to those directly behind it.

Co-Founder, Dr Praveen Paul said, “This is our tenth Pint of Science festival and it’s great to be back with in-person events, collaborating with such dedicated volunteers across the country who have been working hard to bring you a variety of topics.

“The programme in each city is packed full of events, which will inspire, challenge and encourage us all to be curious. The only difficulty is choosing which of the brilliant events to go to.”

Each night will provide a unique lineup of talks, demonstrations and live experiments held in a relaxed and informal environment. Attendees in Salisbury can enjoy a variety of exciting talks including:

Digging: The Good, The Bad and The Smelly!
From peas, plums and poo and diabolical ancient diseases found in the ground, to the hidden secrets that bones can tell us. Come along to the pub for an interesting evening learning about the work of archaeologists and anthropologists with the opportunity to look at and handle some of the materials that bring joy to an environmental archaeologist!

Conversations about conservation
Come and hear about surveying mammals, the efforts to reintroduce the hen harrier in Wiltshire and learn about how lessons from tropical forests can be applied to UK forests…

Cells, Sprays and Spiders!
Lots of different, unusual tools are used for research; from cells in culture to spider webs! We will explore how these tools are used to find new therapeutics, understand the effects of zero gravity and how microorganisms behave in the air. Join us for a fun evening at the pub learning about biomedical research with a good pint.

If you go down to the woods today…
you’re sure of a scientific surprise! Learn about the conservation activities at Hazel Hill Wood, forest bathing and how the forest can be good for our health. Join us for a fun and relaxed evening at the pub.

Going viral
Viruses are everywhere, some more deadly than others! Come and find out about SARS-CoV-2 variants, how we keep ahead of the next virus outbreak, and what we know about flu. Join us for a fun evening at the pub with activities and surprises.

Outbreak responders
We are now all familiar with what a pandemic looks like ‑ but how do scientists on the ground respond to an emergency outbreak situation? How does human behaviour influence public health emergencies? How are scientists able to diagnose diseases? Join us to learn the answers to these questions (enjoying a good pint alongside is optional but recommended!).

Tickets are available from the Pint of Science website and cost £5 each. Find out more here.