Science in Reading

Reading Geek Night – LLMs 101: Understanding the Engine Behind Generative AI

14 abr 2026 19:00 BST

Zerodegrees Microbrewery & Restaurant Reading, 9 Bridge Street, Reading, GB

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2026 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Our 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 LLMs 101: Understanding the Engine Behind Generative AI (Paul Leroy)
• 8:05pm Networking & beers
• 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
• 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
• 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

LLMs 101: Understanding the Engine Behind Generative AI (Paul Leroy)

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.

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.

Reading Cafe Scientifique: The Energy and Climate Conundrum

28 abr 2026 19:00 BST

Zerodegrees Microbrewery & Restaurant Reading, 9 Bridge Street, Reading, GB

Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. 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 via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!
Our 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 enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm The Energy and Climate Conundrum (Professor Chris Rhodes)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

The Energy and Climate Conundrum (Professor Chris Rhodes)

Crude oil is the backbone of modern industrial civilisation, underpinning most of its transportation, supply chains, manufacturing, and agriculture.
82% of the primary energy used by humans on Earth is from fossil fuels, but our increasing use of all oil, gas and coal, is driving a relentlessly changing climate.

While our energy sources must be decarbonised, this alone will not solve the fundamental problem, which is that the human species is in ecological overshoot.

A systemic solution is required, to bring about a consolidated amelioration of climate change, biodiversity loss, and relentless degradation of the ecosphere.

But, how might we bring about the changes necessary to build a thriving, sustainable, future civilisation?

Professor Chris Rhodes is Director of the independent consultancy, Fresh-lands Environmental Actions, and a Board member of Scientists Warning Europe. He became a full professor in physical chemistry in his early 30s, and was awarded a Higher Doctorate (DSc) by the University of Sussex. He is a scientific advisor to the European Commission and the governments of many nations. He has published more than 260 peer reviewed academic papers, which have received over 24,000 citations, along with an extensive online collection of essays and journalism.
Chris is ranked by Stanford University as being in the top 0.04% of World Scientists. He is Chair of Transition Town Reading, and is also author of the black comedy novel ‘University Shambles’, and an award-winning children’s picture book, ‘Hippy the Happy Hippopotamus’.

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 via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)