
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
5

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.
1 attendee
RI "Photodynamic Therapy: Physicists & physicians unite to heal with light"
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. Laser expert Prof Stephen Bown explores the physics of Photodynamic Therapy, and the new treatments it might unlock. This is a Royal Institution discourse titled: Photodynamic Therapy: Physicists and physicians unite to heal with light
ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.
More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:SUMMARY
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is offering a revolutionary new treatment option for a range of diseases, particularly cancers. By combining the skills of physicists and physicians, PDT uses light to kill living cells without damaging the structural integrity of the surrounding tissue.In this Discourse, laser medicine expert Stephen Bown draws on his decades of experience to explain how PDT works. Administering the drugs (photosensitisers) that sensitise tissues to light is relatively straightforward, but getting light to all relevant areas deep within the body is a major challenge. Endoscopes provide access to hollow organs, but ingenuity and detailed understanding of light scattering and absorption within solid tissues is required to deliver appropriate light doses everywhere within a target tissue.
Stephen will further describe associated leading-edge developments, including cancer detection by photosensitiser fluorescence, the use of PDT as a “primer” to stimulate immunological responses to cancers and, at a very early stage of development, the concept that PDT might be able to offer a new approach to treating type 2 diabetes. Join us to discover one of the most exciting areas of development in clinical science.
This event is in celebration of UCL200.
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.
1 attendee
Past events
1765