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
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Romsey Cafe Sci: "Regenerative Farming - benefits to wildlife and wine making"
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 “Regenerative Farming - benefits to wildlife and wine making” delivered by Craig Livingstone - Director of Farming, Lockerley Estate.
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 19.00, talk starts 19.30
We ask for a donation of £5 per head (cash at the door please) to cover room hire and refreshments.
Royal Institution "Physics and philosophy: On the equality of all things"
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. Acclaimed physicist Carlo Rovelli presents a whirlwind of modern physics mixed with the boundaries of thought, and asks what we can ever really know about our place in the universe.
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-physics-and-philosophy-equality-all-things
SUMMARY
What do we really know about the world?Join acclaimed physicist and Ri favourite Carlo Rovelli on a journey through the speculative depths of modern physics to explore what our knowledge tells us about the strangeness of reality.
We live in a universe where electrons and minds, stones and laws, judgements and galaxies are notions that illuminate each other. Carlo will propose that the best way to understand reality is to view these notions, and reality is better understood as a set of reflections, revealing the equality of all things.
Join us for a perspective-shifting evening, as Carlo will invite us to recognise that our knowledge is coherent but also uncertain and circular. There may be no foundations, no hierarchies, but we, who are woven together by thoughts and desires, emotions and dreams, are at one with all things in the world.
We are, in a deep sense, at home.
Copies of Carlo's book "On The Equality of All Things" will be available for purchase after the talk.
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 7.20pm, 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.
5 attendees
Royal Institution "The story of birds: From the Jurassic to today"
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. Using fossil records and his own work uncovering extinct species, paleontologist Steve Brusatte rewinds 150 million years to explore how dinosaurs evolved into today's birds..
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/story-birds-jurassic-todaySUMMARY
Birds live all around us. Their songs drift through our windows in the mornings, and their colourful plumage is something to admire.There are over 10,000 species of birds that share our world, but their legacy goes far beyond homo-sapiens – to the age of the dinosaurs. Palaeontologist Steve Brusatte will recount the remarkable 150-million-year journey of evolution in this story of birds.
Starting with raptor dinosaur ancestors in the Jurassic Period, through the twist and turns of the coming millennia; enduring asteroid impacts, mass extinctions and changing climates to reach the present day.
The story of birds is one of resiliency and adaptability, and Steve will tell that tale, along with his own adventures of collecting fossils and discovering new extinct species.Copies of Steve's book "The story of birds" will be available to purchase after the talk.
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 6.55pm, and the talk will begin at 7.00pm. 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.
2 attendees
Reading Biscuit Factory Cinema: London's Last Wilderness
Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7QE, UK, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the in-person film presentation at the Reading Biscuit Factory Cinema. This film is supported by Transition Town Reading and is titled “London's Last Wilderness”.
Hope to see you there, and please send this link to whoever else you think might also be interested:
https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-biscuit-factory/whats-on/londons-last-wildernessSUMMARY
Film Screening of "London's Last Wilderness" at Reading Biscuit Factory Cinema, Friday October 2nd (2026) 7.30 pm.
The film will address themes of rivers, flooding, how we treat the land, and our broader connection to nature."London's Last Wilderness is visually stunning from beginning to end. Following the hidden wildlife and disappearing natural spaces, tucked inside one of the world's busiest cities, the documentary uncovers a side of London most people never even realise exists. The film balances beauty, urgency, and hope in a way that feels immersive and genuinely emotional."
Supported by Transition Town Reading:
INTRODUCTION AND Q&A:
Professor Chris Rhodes will give an introduction to the film screening on Friday October 2nd, at 7.30 pm.
The film will be followed by a Q&A with its director, Pablo Behrens.
Past events
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