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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Henley Café Sci: Net zero. Why? How?
Henley Hockey Club, 353 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the in-person talk hosted by Henley Cafe Scientifique on “Net zero. Why? How?”.
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.comCafé Scientifique organises talks, usually given by scientists, followed by questions from the audience in the second half. They are a great opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology, you don't need to be a scientist to enjoy the evening, everyone is welcome to ask a question or make a comment. Join us for tonight's talk:
SUMMARY
What is the state of Earth’s climate today, and what changes are coming in the future—in this El Nino year and in decades to come? How does “net zero” relate to our future climate, and why has the idea become so controversial?This talk will discuss climate change and variability, where progress is being towards stabilising our climate, and the need to play our part in accelerating that progress.
SPEAKER:
Chris Merchant, Professor of Ocean and Earth Observation, University of Reading.
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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 registeredTIMING 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.
1 attendeeRomsey Cafe Sci: "Beyond Fibre Optics - The Exciting World of Optoelectronics"
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 “Beyond Fibre Optics - The Exciting World of Optoelectronics” delivered by Prof Radan Slavik, Southampton University, Optoelectronics Research Centre.
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.Winchester Skeptics: Daily Life in Georgian England
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
TBASTANDARD 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.
Basingstoke Anvil: Family Brainiac Live
The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR, UK, Basingstoke, GBAnvil Arts in Basingstoke invite our subscribers to an upcoming show that may be of interest to everyone at Basingstoke Science Cafe.
More details and bookings can be seen at the following web address:
https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/brainiac-liveAnd here is a YouTube video intro to the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxceQjFwYqQ&t=23sSUMMARY:
Due to popular demand and following its 2025 Olivier Award for Best Family Show, science's greatest and most volatile live show is back!More mischievous than ever before, Brainiac Live*, *the UK’s original and favourite family science show explodes on stage and will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful.
Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home.
With a great range of experiments this all-action live show is set to blow your minds!
Tickets:
£22.50. Under 16s £21.50Family tickets
£80 (4 tickets - 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) (includes £4 booking fee)Lounge Experience
Treat yourself to our Virtuoso Lounge upgrade and enjoy reserved seating, personal table service, snacks and drinks, and more.1 attendee
Past events
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