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
13
Royal Institution "Neutrinos, the Universe, and Everything"
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. Particle physicist Prof. Kirsty Duffy uncovers the mysteries of neutrinos, and the experiments searching for the answers.
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/neutrinos-universe-and-everything
SUMMARY
Why does the Universe exist? We believe that the Big Bang created matter and its opposite – antimatter – in equal amounts, and we know experimentally that when matter and antimatter come together, they destroy each other in a burst of energy. So why hasn’t that happened? This is one of the most fundamental questions we have about nature, and answers might be found in an unexpected place: subatomic particles called neutrinos.Neutrinos are the most important particle you were never taught about. They are created in radioactive decays in the sun, the centre of the Earth, supernovae, and even beer. Around 100 billion pass through your thumbnail every second, but you’ve probably never noticed. In this talk, particle physicist Kirsty Duffy will explain what neutrinos are, why they are so interesting to particle physicists, how they might explain why the universe exists, and the mega-science experiments being built to find out.
Kirsty will draw on her work on DUNE, The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a next-generation experiment using leading-edge multi-kiloton liquid argon detectors, which is due to turn on towards the end of the decade. It will make measurements of neutrinos with unprecedented precision, and may hold the key to answering some of the most fundamental questions in physics.
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 6.50pm, 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 attendeesGresham College: "Should We Manipulate People’s Emotions?"
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/speakers/professor-robin-maySUMMARY
#### Part of:
We think of emotions as being central to our characters and our sense of self. But emotions are the product of brain chemistry and, like most biological processes, are malleable. Thus far, our ability to artificially manipulate emotions has been extremely rudimentary, but we are on the cusp of a revolution in neuroscience that will open the door to powerful emotional manipulation. How can we navigate the ethical minefield that this will uncover, and what will it mean for our understanding of who we really are?
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.
1 attendeeGresham College: "The White Knight: Ice"
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/speakers/professor-robin-maySUMMARY
#### Part of:
Notes from a Large Planet: a citizen’s guide to the Earth
The polar regions are still some of the most inaccessible and least touched by humans, but they are deeply linked to the rest of Earth. We will cover the history of exploring them, the challenges of measuring this environment, and the current state of knowledge about the ice at both poles. We will also cover the likely future for the polar regions – the incentives driving different actions, what science suggests about the consequences, and coming events to look out for.
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.
1 attendeeWinchester Skeptics: Orbital Debris to Pollution: Hidden Cost of Spaceflight
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
Satellite launches and re-entries are changing the chemistry and physics of the middle and upper atmosphere.Scientists are now detecting the chemical footprints of launches in the atmosphere. And, dealing with end-of-life space vehicles via “just burn it up” may clear orbits, but it risks trading orbital debris for atmospheric pollution.
A solution would be to use circular economy principles like we aim to do for waste on Earth.
Ian’s talk will discuss how this can be done.
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.
SPEAKER
Ian Williams is a Professor of Applied Environmental Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK. He has an established track record in the field of environmental pollution and waste management. His work at Southampton has focused on pollution, waste- and carbon-related issues.Ian has published extensively in books and peer-reviewed journals as well as producing over 100 commercial project reports. He has a long track record of holding positions as an External Examiner for taught and research degrees, service on external bodies, sitting on the scientific and organizing committees of several international conferences, working on national and international task groups, and as a trustee and director of charities and companies.
Ian has received a number of awards for his activities, including: the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Campus Sustainability Research Award 2018, the International Solid Waste Association Publication Award in 2016 and 2017, the Institution of Civil Engineers Baker Medal in 2010 and awards from the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (Waste Regulation Award 2010, 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15; James Jackson Award 2006, 2015/16, 2016/17; J.C. Dawes Award 2016) and the Primary Engineer Macrobert Gold and Silver medals. He is a fanatical fan of “the Scarlets” rugby team.
SKEPTICS IN THE PUB ONLINE
SitP Online: Every 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm UK time on Twitch.
Past events
1766
Group links
Members
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