What we’re about
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 in Reading: "Thames Valley AI Hub Panel Event: AI & Employment"
The Henley Business School, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading RG6 6UR, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the Science in Reading event "Thames Valley AI Hub Panel Event: AI & Employment" organised by Henley Business School, University of Reading
📍 Registration is essential, so save your spot and be part of the conversation shaping the future of employment:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/DghT7KeVk9Artificial Intelligence is transforming the workplace at every level – from the jobs we do to how we define skills and value work. But what does this mean for employers, employees, and the future of careers?
Join Thames Valley AI Hub for an evening of insights, networking, and lively discussion as our expert panel explores:- How AI is reshaping the job market and the types of roles available
- The impact of AI on everyday work and collaboration
- What it really means to be ‘skilled’ in an AI-first world
Event Schedule:
🍕 18:15 – 19:00 | Arrival, networking & pizza
🎤 19:00 – 20:15 | Panel discussion + Q&A
🤝 20:15 – 20:45 | Networking & goodbyesWhether you’re a regular guest or joining TVAI for the first time, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.
📍 Registration is essential. Save your spot and be part of the conversation:
👉 https://forms.office.com/e/DghT7KeVk91 attendee
Royal Institution "Discourse: How mathematics shapes creativity"
The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London, GBThis livestream from the Royal Institution of Great Britain invites you to join mathematician Marcus du Sautoy who uncovers the deep connection between mathematics and the arts, featuring a live musical performance.
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/discourse-how-mathematics-shapes-creativity
SUMMARY
We often see art and mathematics as opposites—emotion versus logic—but in this Discourse, mathematician Marcus du Sautoy reveals a deep and surprising connection between them. He explores how mathematical ideas like symmetry, prime numbers, and the golden ratio shape human creativity, from the earliest stone circles to the modernist architecture of Le Corbusier, from Bach’s circular compositions to Radiohead’s disruptive soundscapes, and from Shakespeare’s hidden numerical clues to the Dada artists who embraced randomness.Instead of being polar opposites, Marcus will explore how we find a complementary relationship between mathematics and the arts that spans a vast historical and geographic landscapes, using live music played by cellist Sophie Gledhill as a perfect case study.
Marcus's book "Blueprints: How mathematics shapes creativity" is available to purchase at the usual outlets.TIMING
The livestream will open at 7.25pm and the Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm.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.
3 attendees
Royal Institution "The invisible evidence: Chemistry’s role in solving crimes"
The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London, GBThis livestream from the Royal Institution of Great Britain invites you to explore leading-edge techniques which allow chemists to uncover vital evidence at crime scenes.
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/invisible-evidence-chemistrys-role-solving-crimes
SUMMARY
In the hidden world of forensic chemistry, miniscule molecules can tell us stories and invisible traces can provide key information for achieving justice. From fingerprints to fibres and even lipsticks, forensic chemist Baljit Thatti will explain how chemistry provides voices to silent evidence through intricate preservation techniques.Join Baljit for an exploration into real-world cases and the role of techniques including chromatography and spectroscopy, proving just how vital chemistry is in delivery justice. She will discuss how research is ever evolving to answer crucial questions to draw conclusions from a crime scene, including how even small traces of tyre marks at a scene could lead to valuable information of what vehicle was used in a hit and run.
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.
3 attendeesHenley Café Sci: Fusion Developments - East+West, East or West , Who will win?
Henley Hockey Club, 353 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the Henley Cafe Scientifique talk on “Fusion Developments - East+West, East or West , Who will win?” delivered by Alan Costley.
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.comSUMMARY
“Fusion is the most basic source of energy in the universe, powering, as it does, all the stars including our Sun. Under the direct control of humans, it offers essentially endless energy from reactors that have low CO2 emissions.Multiple developed nations have been striving to bring this energy source into reality for more than 50 years but not yet to the point where we have a useful power source. The quest for Fusion has been used as a means to bridge the geopolitical divides through cooperative and collaborative programmes. These cooperations culminated in the creation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) device currently under construction in France, which is one of the few remaining areas where the US, Russia , China along with Europe, India, Japan and South Korea continue to work together on an open and shared basis.
However in recent years many independent programmes both government and private company funded have started with fusion startups now attracting serious investment. This talk outlines the fusion basics, describes briefly the different approaches being pursued and then addresses the question of the near-term competition: East + West or East vs West. Who will win?
SPEAKER
Alan Costley, a trained physicist, has worked in fusion for the bulk of his professional life including leading a small team working on a UK/USSR project in the 1970s at the Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, and in multiple fusion labs in Europe, the US, Japan, and 16 years in a senior position on the ITER project. Since the 1980s he has had an association with the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei, China, one of the most advanced fusion devices in the world. He brings this wide experience to an attempt to answer the question posed in the title of the talk.”
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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 £2.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.1 attendee
Past events
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