The Cafe Scientifique Network

Cafe Scientifique is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass
of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and
technology. Meetings have taken place in cafes, bars, restaurants and even
theatres, but always outside a traditional academic context.

The first Cafes Scientifiques in the UK were held in Leeds in 1998. From there,
cafes gradually spread across the country. Currently, some forty or so cafes meet

regularly to hear scientists or writers on science talk about their work and

discuss it with diverse audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cafe Scientifique? Cafe Scientifique is a forum for the
discussion of important and interesting scientific issues. They are
informal and accessible - much more so than a public lecture.

Who else will be there? Audiences consist of people who are
interested in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their
views with, and ask questions of, someone "in the know". No scientific
knowledge is assumed by the speakers, so anyone can participate.

What happens at a Cafe Scientifique? Cafes start with a short talk
from the speaker, who is usually a scientist or a writer on science to

introduce the topic. After this there is usually a short break to allow

glasses to be refilled and conversations to start. This is followed

by an hour or so of questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone

can ask a question, and we positively welcome those which begin "This might

be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and

often rather insightful.

Where and When? Cafes Scientifiques are hosted in a range of venues. Most

are in bars or cafes, but some use bookshops, theatres or community spaces.
Cafes Scientifiques are held regularly (e.g. the last Tuesday or the second

Monday of the month) and take place in the evening. The map on the home page will show if there is a cafe near you.

What subjects will be discussed? Cafes Scientifiques cover a wide range
of issues relating to science and technology. Topics covered have
included AIDS, the Big Bang, biodiversity, cancer, code-breaking,
consciousness, Darwinism, ecology, evolution, extreme life, foetal experience,
genetically modified organisms, global warming, infertility, nanotechnology, the Public Understanding of Science movement, sports science, superconductors and more. All
Cafes Scientifiques welcome suggestions from the audience about their programmes.
If you want to find out more about a particular topic, go along to your local
cafe and suggest it to the organisers.

Do I need to buy a ticket? Cafes are generally free and you can
just turn up on the night. However, in some venues a small entry charge is
made to cover venue costs and many cafes pass a hat round on the night
for contributions towards the speaker's travel expenses. These are
always voluntary.