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A researcher walks into a bar and orders a pint of science. No, this is not the intro to a bad joke. It’s precisely what’s happening in Chicago and 20 other cities around the world this week!
The Pint of Science Festival showcases new scientific discoveries and developments that are shaping our future, but in a way that non-scientists can actually understand, all while enjoying their favorite adult beverages. Think of it as a live version of NOVA and the show Cheers.
Pint of Science was started in 2012 by two researchers in London who wanted to share their love of science and research with the public. Since then, it has become an international movement extending across 6 countries. In the U.S. alone, Pint of Science events are taking place this week in 5 cities (Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Tampa, and San Diego).
Here in Chicago, the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) took the lead in organizing Chicago’s academic community around this effort. I had the great pleasure of serving on their steering committee, which included John Conrad of iBIO (@iBIO_John), Zoe Hoeppner of Northwestern (@zoehoeppner), and Dan Leventhal from the University of Chicago (@DanTheCancerMan).
For our part, the University of Illinois had two amazing speakers participate last night – Dr. David J. Hofman, head of UIC’s physics department, and Dr. Stephen Moose, a geneticist and professor of crop sciences from Urbana-Champaign, gave excellent talks to over 60 attendees at Bar Louie in River North. Tonight, Dr. Moira Zellner from UIC’s College of Urban Planning & Public Policy will be giving a talk during the final installment of the 2014 Pint of Science Festival.
Tickets are free but you have to RSVP (and there are only a few left), so reserve your spot and head over to Bar Louie (335 N. Dearborn St.) after work! The event begins at 5:30p.
