Expand your knowledge, head to the pub!

So, grab yourself a drink and join scientists from the Penryn and Truro Campus for a light-hearted look at some of the things you perhaps didn’t know at a variety of cool pub venues you perhaps do know across Falmouth! These novel talks and demonstrations are free to attend.

Discover your thirst for science at the following locations:

Venue: Pennycomequick
Topic: Solar Panels and Magnifying Lenses
Date and time: 20th March 6.00pm
Speaker: Dr Katie Shanks
Dr Katie Shanks, solar energy researcher, discusses the use of optics like magnifying lenses to increase the light on solar panels, making them produce more electricity.

Venue: 5 Degrees West
Topic: Animal Adaptation
Date and time: 21st March 6.00pm
Speakers: Professors Andy Russell and Alastair Wilson
In a tag-team duo, animal behaviour aficionados Professors Andy Russell and Alastair Wilson will explore how animals are able to adapt in an ever-changing world. From nature to nurture, mothers to mutations, join us to discover the influences which govern who we are.

Venue: Jacobs Ladder
Topic: Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?
Date and time: 22nd March 6.00pm
Speaker: Dr Anna Hughes
Bio-scientist Dr Anna Hughes is researching this long-standing puzzle and will explain how, surprisingly, brightly painted battle ships and biting flies are helping scientists to provide answers to this question.

Venue: Beerwolf Books
Topic: Technology in Cornwall Through the Ages
Date and time: 27th March 6.00pm
Speaker: Alice Williams
Archaeologist Alice Williams will be talking about prehistoric archaeology and the tools that were used from the Neolithic through to the Iron Age.

Venue: The Working Boat
Topic: Beach Bums
Date and time: 28th March 6.00pm
Speaker: Dr Anne Leonard
Dr Anne Leonard takes a unique approach to the serious topic of antibiotic resistant bacteria. By analysing rectal swabs from surfers, she is getting to the bottom of whether antibiotic resistant bacteria in the sea are getting into surfers’ guts. The Working Boat Team are offering a 10% discount on food and drink for anyone who attends!

Richard Wilcox, the Falmouth BID Manager said: “Each year we are always looking for new and exciting ways to broaden the reach and appeal of our festivals. Science in the Pub perfectly fits the bill for the Spring Festival and I’m delighted that the University of Exeter and numerous pub venues are supporting the idea. The Spring Festival has a really exciting schedule this year and is seen by many as a colourful and vibrant way to welcome in the spring.”

Matthew Creasey, PhD researcher at the University of Exeter, who has helped organise these events, added: “Science in the Pub is a great way to engage the community with science in a fun and interactive way”. As a volunteer with the Cornwall branch of the British Science Association, increasing public participation in science is an ambition he shares with the University. Matthew also helps to run the British Science Association’s monthly Café Scientifique at The Poly, Falmouth.

This is another new and exciting event for the 2018 Spring Festival, funded and organised by the Falmouth BID.