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
14
Royal Institution "Forensics: How to solve a crime"
The Royal Institution, The Royal Institution 21 Albemarle Street London W1S 4BS,, United Kingdom, GBThis is a theatre and livestream talk from the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Join a team of forensic scientists for an immersive, demo-filled event taking us through the process of analysing and solving a crime, plus a look at the new technology changing the way DNA is analysed.
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/forensics-how-solve-crime
SUMMARY
We are used to media depictions of forensic science, but what does the real process look like? And how are new technologies changing the face of modern forensics? In this unique event, a team of forensic specialists from around the UK will come together to guide you through a fictional case.
Discover how the SCAnDi project could revolutionise the world of forensics by allowing scientists to trace DNA from a single cell, and therefore “unmix” the messy DNA profiles of multiple people often found at crime scenes.Scientific investigation of a crime involves a multidisciplinary team, and through the use of intricate recreation crime scenes and demonstrations, this event will explore how these individuals can come together to uncover crucial evidence. Ranging from DNA analysis to soil science, you'll have the chance to discover real forensic science used to solve crimes.
This event will cover sensitive material which some may find upsetting, including physical violence, sexual assault, death and suicide. It is suitable for those aged 16+.
This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online.
The livestream will go live around 7.25pm, and the talk will begin at 7.30pm. 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.
3 attendees
Reading Geek Night – Powering the Future: Solar, Batteries & the Connected Home
ZeroDegrees, 9 Bridge StreetReading, RG1 2LR, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the in-person Science in Reading event "Powering the Future: Solar, Batteries & the Connected Home" delivered by Mark Golding from Spirit Energy.
SiR monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.
So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.
Everyone welcome!
- 7:00pm Arrivals
- 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
- 7:35pm Powering the Future: Solar, Batteries & the Connected Home (Mark Golding – Spirit Energy)
- 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
- 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
- 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)
Powering the Future: Solar, Batteries & the Connected Home (Mark Golding – Spirit Energy)
Go beyond the hype and dive into the fundamentals of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI. This in-person talk will demystify how these powerful models work, explore the critical differences between models and the applications built on them, and discuss the essential topics of data, ownership, and context. Join us for live demonstrations and an open discussion on the real-world capabilities and limitations of this transformative technology.Paul is a seasoned cloud architect and Senior Google Trainer, he specializes in creating powerful cloud solutions that address real-world business challenges. With a background spanning development, deployment, sales, and strategy, he brings a uniquely holistic perspective to cloud & AI technology.
His passion lies in all things data: its efficient movement, rapid ingestion, and the immense possibilities it unlocks across diverse sources – from IoT devices to high-performance enterprise data pipelines and large-scale data warehouses.
Please note: This title and description are provisional and may be updated once final details are confirmed with the speaker.
SPEAKER
Mark Golding is a renewable energy specialist with Spirit Energy, helping homeowners and organisations navigate the rapidly changing world of sustainable energy technologies. His work focuses on the practical application of solar generation, battery storage and smart energy solutions, helping customers understand how emerging technologies can reduce costs, improve energy resilience and support the transition to a lower-carbon future.Drawing on real-world experience and industry knowledge, Mark will share insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of home energy systems.
About Reading Geek Night
A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.
Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.
Look forward to seeing you there!Get involved and support the community
If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: **talks [at] rdggeeknight.org**
Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.
Gresham College: "The Shape of Knots: From DNA to Shoestrings and Solar Flares"
Barnard's Inn Hall, High Holborn, EC1N 2HH, 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/shape-knotsSUMMARY
#### Part of:
The Geometry of Nature and the Shape of Things
Knots are ubiquitous in the world around us, appearing as tangled cords, shoelaces, or the complex structures of DNA. Far from being nuisances, knots have profound and beautiful mathematical properties with tentacular connections to geometry, topology, physics, and biology. This lecture introduces the fascinating world of knot theory, exploring how the mathematical study of knots helps us understand and predict their formation, stability,
LIVESTREAM TIMING
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.
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 attendee
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