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
18
Gresham College: "Work, Out of Reach"
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/out-reachSUMMARY
#### Part of: The Future of Work
Right now, the technological challenge we are most likely to face in the labour market is ‘frictional’ technological unemployment – where there is plenty of work available, but not enough people are able to do it. This lecture explores the phenomenon and its main causes – that people might lack the right skills for the work, not live in the place where the work is created, or have an identity that is at odds with the nature of the work.
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.
Winchester Skeptics: How Making Plastic Waste Visible Changes Behaviour
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
We often assume we understand our own environmental impact, but recent research suggests we may be viewing waste through a kind of blindfold. This talk explores how that blindfold forms, what happens when it is lifted, and how clearer messages can support more sustainable choices.The first study shows that many people are unaware of the true scale and type of plastic they use. When participants counted their actual waste, the blindfold slipped: they saw their impact more clearly and became more concerned and more willing to engage in action.
The second study looks at how decades of advertising have normalised disposable living, reinforcing this blindness by presenting convenience as the default and obscuring the waste it creates.
The third study demonstrates that targeted messages can remove the blindfold in everyday decisions, such as choosing a cup for a takeaway drink. When cafés in a field study highlighted the personal benefit of bringing a reusable cup, such as saving money, customers were more likely to avoid disposables.
Together, these studies suggest that people are not uncaring about waste, but often lack clear cues and feedback. When visibility improves and messages emphasise practical personal benefits, more sustainable behaviour becomes much more achievable.
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.1 attendee
Skeptics in the Pub Online: The Rendlesham Forest UFO: Deconstructing a myth
·OnlineOnlineThis is a live-stream online talk hosted by the Skeptics in the Pub (SitP) Online. Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to take part in these regular monthly online talks via twitch.tv/sitp.
The SitP Online web site can be found at:
https://sitp.online/We are a coalition of UK-based Skeptics groups. Formed as the COVID-19 pandemic brought our country to a standstill, we are working to deliver high-quality online events focusing on science, reason, and critical thinking.
On the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 pm (UK time), you will find us presenting live-streamed talks, all for free – you don’t even need to create an account. Simply open up twitch.tv/sitp.
Take a look at our events, past and future, we’re sure you’ll see a lot of content you will find interesting.
Our current schedule is to have a talk every month, though on the weeks without a talk we still open up our virtual pub at 8:30 pm BST.
STANDARD STUFF
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the speakers and organisers by indulging in a virtual drink in the virtual pub afterwards.1 attendee
Romsey Cafe Sci: "Bacteriophages and Antibiotic Resistance"
Royal British Legion, Love Lane, Romsey SO51 8DE, GBThis is an in-person talk hosted by Romsey Science Cafe. Basingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to attend the Cafe Scientifique Romsey talk on “Bacteriophages and Antibiotic Resistance” delivered by Esme Brinsden from University of Southampton.
Registration opens 5th February
Please book in advance to reserve your place.
For more details of past and future talks and how to book for this talk, please see our web site.
https://www.cafscientifiqueromsey.com/Book by email with the Romsey Café Sci organisers directly at:
cafscirom@gmail.comPlease try to avoid last minute bookings. It can cause lots of administration especially when we are full. Thank you
Venue: Royal British Legion, Love Lane, Romsey.
Doors open 19.30, talk starts 20.00
We ask for a donation of £5 per head (cash at the door please) to cover room hire and refreshments.
Past events
1745
