What we’re about
INTRODUCTION BY THE GROUP ORGANISER, BOB
Cafe Science - Basingstoke is a not-for-profit group where anyone is welcome to explore the latest ideas in science, technology and climate change. As the organiser for the group, I now run the group diary from Norwich where I am based, so you will be very unlikely to see me at any in-person events.
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.
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 (4+)
See all- Royal Institution "Mathematics: The rise of the Machines?"The Royal Institution, London
This livestream from the Royal Institution of Great Britain invites you to listen to Yang-Hui He reflect on what the growing collaboration between humans and AI means for the future of mathematics.
ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.
More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/mathematics-rise-machines
SUMMARY
Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to crunching numbers—it is beginning to propose original theorems, sketch proofs and reveal new and unexpected patterns in the abstract world of mathematics. Join Yang-Hui He of the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences—one of the pioneers of AI-assisted discovery— as he explores how machine learning is transforming both the practice and philosophy of mathematical research.
Drawing on his own leading-edge work, alongside insights from a recent gathering in Berkeley where mathematicians challenged a powerful AI to solve problems specifically designed to resist automation, he traces the emergence of a new form of mathematical exploration. By fusing human intuition with computational power, this evolving partnership is reshaping research and redefining the creative boundaries of the field.This event is organised in collaboration with the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences.
TIMING
The livestream will open at 6.55pm and the Discourse will start promptly at 7.00pm.If you register but miss the livestream, the video will normally 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.
By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.
- Science in Reading: "Inaugural Thames Valley AI Summit"The Henley Business School, Reading
Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the Science in Reading event "Inaugural Thames Valley AI Summit" organised by Henley Business School, University of Reading
📍 Registration is essential. Save your spot and be part of the conversation:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/6jSpfPV0CuCurious about AI, its real-world impact, or how it could transform your industry or community? Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just getting started, the Thames Valley AI Summit is your opportunity to explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in an open, inclusive environment.
🎤 Expect a full day of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, and practical hands-on workshops designed to inform, up-skill, and inspire.
Our event brings together business leaders, creatives, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and the simply curious — all under one roof.
🧠 Key themes this year include:
- Sustainability: How AI is driving greener technologies, smarter systems, and climate resilience.
- Creative Industries: From music and media to design and storytelling — how artists and creators are reshaping the future with AI.
- AI Adoption: Real-world insights into how organisations are deploying AI tools to unlock value.
- Skills & Training: Join our hands-on sessions to build practical capabilities, no matter your starting point.
🌍 Free and open to all, the Thames Valley AI Summit aims to demystify AI, spark new collaborations, and accelerate innovation across the region while spotlighting the enormous potential of AI.
Agenda:
08.30 - Arrivals, Breakfast, Networking
09.00 - TVAI Summit Starts
12.30 - Lunch
16:00 - TVAI Summit Close / Networking
17:00 - GoodbyesStay tuned — our speaker line-up and full agenda will be announced soon.
📍 Registration is essential. Save your spot and be part of the conversation:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/6jSpfPV0Cu - Gresham College: "The Shape of Hands: Symmetry, Chirality and Handedness"Barnard's Inn Hall, London
This livestream 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/shape-hands
SUMMARY
#### Part of:
The Geometry of Nature and the Shape of Things
The reflection of my right hand in a mirror is a left hand that looks similar yet is very different from the right. Many natural structures such as proteins, climbing vines, and seashells exhibit the same property known as chirality. Some of these objects are clearly left-handed, some are right-handed, some are both. The ultimate origin of chirality is one of Nature's great mysteries. This lecture discusses the general problem of determining the chirality of an object and how it impacts all branches of sciences.The livestream will go live at 5.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 6.00pm. 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.
By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.
- Science in Reading: "Too Many Elephants?"Zerodegrees Microbrewery & Restaurant Reading, Reading
Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the Science in Reading event "Too Many Elephants?" delivered by Dr Vicky Boult – School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading at Zero Degrees in Reading.
Science in Reading monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm with the talk starting at 7.30pm.
More information about this event and the organisers can be found at the following web address.
https://www.meetup.com/science-in-reading/events/310687983Please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.
7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm Too many elephants? (Dr Vicky Boult – University of Reading)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm EndMore Information
Too many elephants? (Dr Vicky Boult – University of Reading)
Too many elephants? Surely not. We hear all the time of the terrible plight of elephants: poached for their ivory tusks, hunted for their trophies, plagued by drought… So why are some countries proposing to cull elephants? In this talk, Dr Vicky Boult will present the complex realities of managing elephant populations across Africa. From conservation efforts to restore lost elephant populations to the frontline of human-elephant conflict, and even elephant vasectomies! Join Vicky for a deep-dive into all things elephant, and a reality check on real-world conservation.Time: 7pm until late (talk starts at 7.30pm)
Venue: Downstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)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 here.
