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: "Reading STEAM Meetup Groups New Year Social"
Zerodegrees Microbrewery & Restaurant Reading, 9 Bridge Street, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the Science in Reading event "Reading STEAM Meetup Groups New Year Social" at Zero Degrees in Reading.
Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.
We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM New Year Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.
Theme: Reading STEAM New Year 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 (formally Geeks & Gamers)
- University of Reading
- …and others
(The above list is evolving)
All STEAM meetup groups in the area are very welcome.
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.3 attendees
Henley Café Sci: Fifty Shades of Green: A tale of many mosses
Henley Hockey Club, 353 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the Henley Cafe Scientifique talk on “Fifty Shades of Green: A tale of many mosses”.
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.com
SUMMARY
We all have seen the many types of mosses around our area. Professor Mitchley will bring a new perspective on mosses and is likely to bring an assortment of soggy and slightly dirty mosses for you to look at.
Hand lenses for will be made available to help you understand the finer points.
SPEAKER:
Professor Jonathan Mitchley BSc PhD MCIEEM, Associate Professor of Field Botany, Department of Ecology, Reading University**.**
____________________________________________________________________________________
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 registered
TIMING 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.3 attendees
Gresham College: "An Ocean of Air"
Barnard's Inn Hall, High Holborn, EC1N 2HH, London, GBThis 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/ocean-air
SUMMARY
#### Part of: Notes from a Large Planet: a citizen’s guide to the Earth
The major environmental challenge of our time is framed in terms of what happens in our atmosphere, and specifically what are called “greenhouse gases”. But what is an atmosphere, and how does it behave? Does the atmosphere vary across the world, and what enters and leaves it normally? This lecture will explore how humanity has taken some things from the air and put other things into it, what the effects have been, and what this means for our future.
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.1 attendeeGresham College: "The Shape of Shells: She Sells Seashells on the Seashore"
Barnard's Inn Hall, High Holborn, EC1N 2HH, London, GBThis 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-shells
SUMMARY
#### Part of: The Geometry of Nature and the Shape of Things
It is impossible not to marvel at the beauty and regularity of seashells. These intricate forms are crafted by a humble architect—the living mollusc—building them layer by layer. Despite their remarkable diversity, the fundamental geometry of most seashells is governed by simple mathematical rules, resulting in elegant three-dimensional self-similar structures. Beyond this basic framework, molluscs embellish their shells with fascinating features such as wrinkles, spines, and spikes. This lecture reveals how a mathematical theory of seashell growth explains the origins of these features and resolves many enduring questions in biology.
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.1 attendee
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