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
9
Royal Institution "Animal Dissection Live"
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. Get a fascinating look at animal biology with a live dissection of an animal as part of a full afternoon of wonder for all ages.
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/animal-dissection-live
SUMMARY
Join Ben Garrod, from the University of East Anglia, and veterinary surgeon Jess French for a very special afternoon at the Ri, with a unique opportunity to find out about the workings of the body at a lion dissection.Across the course of the event, Ben, Jess and their team will dissect the animal in our Theatre, explaining the anatomy as they go, and revealing the fascinating facts it can tell us about our own bodies. During an extended interval, you'll have the opportunity to explore hands-on demonstrations and activities to learn even more about how animal biology works.
This event is open to all ages. Ben and Jess are very experienced in presenting this to a younger audience, as well as adults, and we encourage everyone to attend. Attendees will be able to come and go as they please if they require a break during the long sessions. Those who are particularly squeamish may choose to sit further back in the Theatre.
Event timings:
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Dissection Session 1
2:30pm – 3:45pm – Interval with pop-up activities
3:45pm – 5:00pm – Dissection Session 2Disclaimer: The animal died of old age and has been donated for the purpose of education. The specific animal is subject to change.
With thanks to University of East Anglia for making this event possible.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 attendeesReading Geek Night – LLMs 101: Understanding the Engine Behind Generative AI
ZeroDegrees, 9 Bridge StreetReading, RG1 2LR, Reading, GBBasingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the in-person Science in Reading event "LLMs 101: Understanding the Engine Behind Generative AI" delivered by Paul Leroy.
SiR 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.Royal Institution "The living lab above: Science of the sky"
The Royal Institution, The Royal Institution 21 Albemarle Street London W1S 4BS,, United Kingdom, GBThis is an in-person theatre and livestream talk from the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Join engineer and inventor Lucy Rogers for a vivid, curiosity-fuelled journey through the sky as a dynamic living laboratory.
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/living-lab-above-science-sky
SUMMARY
Join engineer and broadcaster Lucy Rogers as she blends hands-on demonstrations, modern science, and personal adventure to reveal the wonders visible to anyone who simply looks up.Lucy will begin by recreating classic Victorian experiments, including some from the Ri's own history —from John Tyndall’s light-scattering demonstrations explaining why the sky is blue, to the buoyancy that underpins everything from drifting clouds to soaring gliders. From there, the exploration widens to the many phenomena unfolding overhead: from migrating butterflies and murmurating starlings, to shimmering aurorae and the planets beyond.
Interwoven throughout are stories from Lucy’s own field adventures, paired with clear scientific insight into navigation, flight, atmospheric optics, and the technologies that help us study the sky today. The talk will also bring the latest frontier research into focus, inviting you to rediscover the sky as a place of science, beauty, and ongoing discovery. Look up - and see the world in a whole new way.
Copies of Lucy's book "Up: A Scientist’s Guide to the Magic Above Us" will be available for purchase after the talk.
This is an in-person 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 attendees
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