EXPERT researchers are set to swap their state-of-the-art laboratories for the popular pubs of Colchester as part of a unique and thought-provoking event.
The Pint of Science Festival will return to the town for the first time since 2019 on May 9 for what will be an informative and light-hearted three days of discussion.
It has been organised by more than 30 students and staff from the University of Essex and aims to bring cutting-edge research and demonstrations to local watering holes.
Throughout the experimental gala brainboxes will explore the secrets of love, genetics and psychology at Three Wise Monkeys and the Queen St Brewhouse.
The event will host diverse talks on topics such as how TOWIE-style Botox filler effects the ability to read emotions and why the public desires antibiotics.
The gender pay gap will also be examined within the busy barrooms and specialists from Colchester Zoo will reveal how they are conserving the natural world.
Shellie Wall, senior research officer, has organised the event for the past four years but has now passed the baton to PhD students Olivia Grant and Ellie Watson.
“It was time to pass this initiative on so more people could get the experience of organising this set of events,” added Shellie, who now helps market the festival.
“I wanted to bring the public into scientific debates, and this festival is a great place for anyone to get wide exposure to current thinking and ideas.
“Pint of Science brings together multiple fields of study into a broad and interesting context that appeals to a non-specialist audience, which to me is really fascinating.”
Olivia, University of Essex graduate and laboratory assistant, believes the event is vital in showing people how science can impact everybody’s lives.
She added: “Pint of Science highlights the importance of research being conducted right here and right now in our own town.”
Elie, who is Olivia’s fellow lab assistant, echoes her opinion.
She said: “I love organising Pint of Science because I love to speak to people from all walks of life about their research and what drives them in their work day-to-day.”
In addition to in Essex, the international celebration will see thousands of scientists speak to the public in more than 300 cities across 24 countries.
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased by visiting pintofscience.co.uk/events/colchester.
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