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Cafe Scientifique FAQ
What is the Cafe Scientifique?
The Cafe Scientifique was a new initiative which has become a centre for the Public Understanding of Science in Oxford.
The purpose of the Cafe is to create a forum for the discussion of important and interesting scientific issues that is much more informal and accessible than a public lecture. The Cafe Scientifique has been successful in Leeds, Nottingham and a number of other cities in the UK and France.
From the spring of 2002 the Cafe Scientifique idea was spread throughout the UK, with the creation of a new Coordinator's post by the Wellcome Trust. General Cafe Scientifique information across the UK can be found at the national Cafe website.
Who else will be there?
The audience will consist mostly of people who are interested in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their views with and ask questions of someone "in the know". No scientific knowledge will be assumed by the speakers so that everyone can participate. All ages and backgrounds are welcome.
What happens at the Cafe?
Each event starts with a short talk from a speaker. A 5 minute break allows us to refill our glasses and have a few private discussions. This is followed by around an hour of Q&A, and general discussion. There will be opportunity for everyone to ask questions, and we welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but......" These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.
Where and When?
The Cafe is nowadays hosted by the Department of Pharmacology, at 7:15pm on the second Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise advertised), and sponsored by OBN. Doors open at 6:45pm. The first Cafe Scientifique was held on 14th November 2000. Full calendar details are published on this site and on the Twitter feed and Oxford Cafe Sci Facebook page when they have been confirmed.
What subjects will be discussed?
Over the years of the Cafe, we have held a very wide range of events, including such subjects as:
| stem cells | antibiotic resistance | the big bang |
| biodiversity | cancer | consciousness |
| Darwinism | brain imaging | evolution |
| extreme life | selenium in the diet | foetal experience |
| genetically modified organisms | human hydration | cryptography |
| nanotechnology | prime numbers | sports science |
If there any subjects that you would like included in our future programme, please let us know.
As topics are confirmed they will be listed on this website.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
No. Cafe Scientifique is free and you can just turn up on the night. The Cafe does not make a profit or pay a fee to the speaker, but we do have a donations hat on the night and ask for contributions towards the refreshments and speaker's travel expenses. It is also possible to make donations by card via Paypal: please email the organiser for details.
On very rare occasions there may be a Cafe with tickets, usually for a specific reason such as a linked professional performance or a change of venue. These will be advertised in advance.
How can I find out more about the Cafe, including the programme of events?
As soon as the programme of events is finalised, it will appear on this website. Alternatively email the Cafe or join our mailing list. To subscribe you just write to the linked address from the email you want to use. We will not pass your details on to any third party.
Cafe Scientifique has over the years been organised by local Oxford scientists.
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