About us
INTRODUCTION BY THE GROUP CO-ORGANISER, BOB
Café Science – Basingstoke is an independent, not‑for‑profit forum for curious minds. We bring together scientists, technologists, and interested members of the public to discuss the latest developments in science, technology, and climate change — in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
We welcome anyone with an interest in exploring big ideas — whether you're deeply knowledgeable or just curious. We hope you enjoy the talks and livestream events we publicise, and help us grow this community of science conversation.
ABOUT LOCAL IN-PERSON TALKS
We encourage our subscribers to attend in-person talks hosted by local science discussion groups that are within easy reach of Basingstoke. The groups we mostly publicise include Science in Reading, Henley Science Cafe, Romsey Science Cafe, Salisbury Science Cafe and Winchester Skeptics in the Pub.
The in-person events include a speaker plus a break with a follow-on Q&A discussion of the presentation topic. The speakers will often be researchers and experts in their field invited from local companies and academic centres and are specialists in the subjects under discussion.
IN-PERSON ADMISSION / DONATION FEES
You should be aware that groups running in-person talks will often request an admission fee or donation of up to £5 towards speakers and group expenses.
ONLINE LIVESTREAM TALKS
For those unable to attend the in-person talks, we also provide details of lectures and discussions delivered as on-line livestream talks that you can watch with your family, friends and neighbours. Why not make the most of this great social opportunity by inviting others to join you in a cafe or at home and then have your own discussion afterwards about the topic you watched. The livestream talks and discussions include those from The Royal Institution, The Royal Society, Gresham College and occasional University public lectures.
BOOKING LIVESTREAM EVENTS
Access and booking arrangements for online live stream talks are always handled by the talk organisers outside of this meetup site. Please ensure you take the time to read the booking instructions carefully.
GROUP ORGANISERS
Meetup requires an official group administrator, so Andrew C manages the Meetup account and related logistics. Bob Clifford continues to head up the event planning, coordination, and group leadership. Bob now works from Norwich and oversees the event calendar remotely, so while he may not attend many local meetups in person, he remains the primary contact via Meetup for all group queries and planning matters.
NOTIFICATIONS
Join this meetup group to receive email notifications via Meetup of any in-person and live stream science and technology talks, debates and lectures that we hear about.
Upcoming events
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Science Reading – Reading STEAM Meetup Groups Summer Social
ZeroDegrees, 9 Bridge StreetReading, RG1 2LR, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the in-person Science in Reading event "Reading STEAM Meetup Groups Summer Social"
SiR monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.
We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM Summer Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.
Everyone welcome!Theme: Reading STEAM Summer Social
Time: 7pm until late
Venue: Upstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)During the evening each group represented will get a short
slot to let you know more about them and what they do.Familiar faces from the following groups:
- BCS Berkshire
- Dreading Slam Poetry Group
- Future Skills: Reading
- IET Berkshire
- Internations
- Missing Maps
- Play The Guitar Project
- Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
- Reading Astronomical Society
- Reading Geek Night
- Reading Hydro
- Reading Museum
- Reading Repair Cafe
- Reading Social Tech
- rlab
- Science in Reading
- Thames Valley AI Hub
- The Hangout
- University of Reading
- …and others
(The above list is evolving)
If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)
Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.We normally meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.
Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)
Winchester Skeptics: What is it like to be a crow?
Winchester Club, Highfield Lodge, Worthy Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7AB, Winchester, GBThis is an in-person talk hosted by the Winchester Skeptics in the Pub (SitP). Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to attend these regular monthly talks at the Winchester Club in Winchester. The Hampshire Skeptics Society is a non-profit organisation for the promotion of science, reason and critical thinking.
Winchester SitP meetings are open to all regardless of beliefs and each month’s talk will be followed up with a challenging Q&A session.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT WINCHESTER SKEPTICS CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEB SITE.
https://www.hampshireskeptics.org/
The doors open at 7.00pm, and the talk will begin at 7.30pm.
Talks are usually (December is always an exception) on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.
Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).
SUMMARY
Corvids, such as crows or ravens, have been an ongoing source of public fascination. They are also common subjects of scientific attention, due to their advanced cognitive abilities, but until recently little attention has been paid to the subjective nature of their inner lives.
Here, Dr Browning talks about some of her team’s recent work, using a five-dimensional framework for animal consciousness to investigate the potential nature of corvid minds, and how it can inform ethical interactions with these birds.STANDARD STUFF
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event.
SKEPTICS IN THE PUB ONLINE
SitP Online: Every 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm UK time on Twitch.Gresham College: "The Sky at Night, Tonight: A New View of the Changing Sky"
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL London, London, GBThis in-person theatre and livestream talk is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers.
ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.
More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/sky-nightSUMMARY
#### Part of:
This lecture was moved from its previous date in April due to delays receiving data from the Vera Rubin Observatory which is a key element of the talk. A new in-person ticket link will appear here in due course. Booking opens one month before the event
On a remote mountain top in Chile, scanning the sky with the largest astronomical camera ever built, the Vera Rubin Observatory is conducting the deepest and most sensitive survey of the sky yet. This lecture will cover whatever it’s found in the previous week, from supernovae to asteroids, giving us a glimpse of science in action.LIVESTREAM TIMING
The livestream will go live at 6.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.
Gresham College has offered an outstanding education to the public free of charge for over 400 years. Today, Gresham College plays an important role in fostering a love of learning and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Please consider making a donation on their web site to support the work of Gresham College.
1 attendeeHenley Café Sci: The People’s Emergency Briefing Film
Henley Hockey Club, 353 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the in-person talk hosted by Henley Cafe Scientifique on “The People’s Emergency Briefing Film”.
Please try to avoid last minute bookings. It can cause lots of administration especially when we are full. Thank you
To attend, please email the Henley Café Sci organiser directly at:
cafescihenley@gmail.comCafé Scientifique organises talks, usually given by scientists, followed by questions from the audience in the second half. They are a great opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology, you don't need to be a scientist to enjoy the evening, everyone is welcome to ask a question or make a comment. Join us for tonight's talk:
SUMMARY
Cafe Scientifique Henley invites you to attend a local screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film on the threats to British life from ongoing damage to nature and to our climate.
The 50 minute film features footage from last November’s National Emergency Briefing, which brought together 10 leading UK scientists in climate science, food security, health, economics, national security and nature.It presents a clear, measured overview of how the climate and nature crisis is affecting everyday life in Britain - and what the evidence says about risks and responses.
The initiative is explicitly non-partisan, and is supported by a wide range of organisations including the National Trust, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF, National Education Union, and many more.
In addition our local authority plays a vital role in responding to these challenges. Councils are central to reducing emissions and to strengthening local resilience .
Greener Henley is keen to persuade Henley residents to personally get involved as that is the only way we will make a difference.With an informed scientist, they will be in attendance to answer your questions by hosting a 45-minute structured local discussion on what this means for our community, including implications for local preparedness, resilience and long-term planning.
We would greatly value your attendance - whether to listen and contribute, or simply observe the discussion. Your presence would signal the importance of open, evidence-based dialogue on an issue that affects everyone.
SPEAKER:
Greener Henley is keen to persuade Henley residents to personally get involved as that is the only way we will make a difference.____________________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO BOOK
These events can be very popular and MUST be booked in advance.To book your places(s) please email the Henley Café Sci organiser directly at cafescihenley@gmail.com. When he has confirmed your booking, please RSVP here so that we know you are coming and can look out for you.
The booking process remains as before
1. Café-Sci announce an event by sending members this announcement email
2. You respond by requesting a registration to attend live
3. If you subsequently find you are not able to attend, please advise as often there is a waitlist
4. You attend at the newly refurbished Henley Hockey Club, where a few members bring their own cushions
5. Avoid the Tesco Car Park, gates close at 9pm.
6. If we cancel, the notice will go those who registeredTIMING AND REFRESHMENTS
Please arrive from 7pm for a 7:30 start. Usual format is 45 min talk followed by 45 Q&A. Liquid refreshments are available at the bar.Admission is free, but the organisers ask for a voluntary contribution from about £3.
DIRECTIONS:
If coming into Henley along the Reading Road turn right at the roundabout towards Tesco, then first left and left again into the hockey club car park. The entrance is near the far end.Avoid the Tesco Car park, gates close at 9pm.
Past events
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Group links
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