What we’re about
INTRODUCTION BY THE GROUP ORGANISER, BOB
Cafe Science - Basingstoke is a not-for-profit group where anyone is welcome to explore the latest ideas in science, technology and climate change. As the organiser for the group, I now run the group diary from Norwich where I am based, so you will be very unlikely to see me at any in-person events.
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.
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 (3)
See all- Reading Cafe Sci – "Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From kitchen to outer space?"Zerodegrees Microbrewery & Restaurant Reading, Reading
Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to the talks organised by Reading Café Scientifique. These talks are 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.
This evening's talk is “Microwaves – Friend or Foe?" delivered by Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol.
The Reading Cafe Sci monthly Meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.:
To let the talk organisers know you will be attending, please book on the Science in Reading Meetup group site.
https://www.meetup.com/thames-valley-ivc/events/308651829
“So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers."
Everyone welcome!
- 7:00pm Arrivals
- 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
- 7:35pm Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space
- (Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)
- 8:20pm Comfort Break
- 8:30pm Q&A
- 9:00pm Networking
- 9:30pm End
More Information
Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space
(Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)
Microwaves have become a household word over the past few decades, used synonymously with the ubiquitous gadgets adorning our kitchens. However, we often tend to overlook the complete identity of these microwaves – as a spectrum of electromagnetic energy (typically in the GHz range) sandwiched between its equally significant spectral neighbours, viz., Radio Frequencies (RF) and Infra-Red (IR). Together, they represent a powerful force which keeps the modern world running – with uses and abuses ranging from the humble kitchenette to the endless outer space. Whilst they power our medical devices on one hand, they also trigger a plethora of health concerns in the bargain; they scaffold a digital economy as much as they enable cyber frauds; they propel our smart homes and factories no less than they drive the military technologies of mass destruction; they offer us hopes for space based solar power but makes us more wary of a future space warfare; so on and so forth. In summary – love them or hate them, but one can hardly ignore microwaves in today’s world order.In this context, the above talk has been conceived in honour of these microwaves – to discuss their diverse avatars and the associated risks vs. benefits. With a little bit of physics sprinkled on top for some flavour and garnish, the talk has been consciously curated for a scientifically curious audience with no prior knowledge of electromagnetics. So, please feel free to pop-in for an evening of light scientific discourse along with some food for your thoughts (and may be a pint for your thirst).
Science in Reading look forward to seeing you there!
If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)
Speaking slot availability can be found here.
We usually meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.
Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)
- Royal Institution "Discourse: Celebrating 200 years of benzene - From whale oil"The Royal Institution, London
This livestream from the Royal Institution of Great Britain invites you to listen to Chemist Judy Wu as she explores the ongoing significance of a chemical compound first isolated at the Ri 200 years ago: benzene.
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/discourse-celebrating-200-years-benzene-whale-oil-aromaticity
SUMMARY
Join us for this special Discourse as we Discover200, celebrating 200 years of Ri Discourses and the discovery of benzene.Benzene has played a significant role in modern science and industry since it was first isolated by Michael Faraday in 1825 - originally from whale oil as a by-product of gas production - here at the Royal Institution.
In this Discourse, Judy Wu will explore the discoveries, challenges, and unexpected revelations encountered by chemists who devoted their work to unravelling the mysteries of benzene and its significance.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various chemists presented different models to account for the structure and the extraordinary chemical stability of benzene.The first part of this talk will cover a brief history of benzene, including key discoveries made at the Royal Institution, and tell how chemists came to understand the structure and reactivity of benzene. The second part will address the evolution of the definition of aromaticity.
The term aromaticity, originally linked to the distinctive smell and chemical structure of benzene, has evolved significantly to include many molecules that are not “benzene-like” at all. We will talk about discoveries that reshaped chemists' understanding of the concept of aromaticity and how this concept is now applied in practical fields of chemistry and technology.
The Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm. A Pay Bar will be available from 6.00pm. It will open again after the talk, until 9.30pm.
If you register but miss the livestream, the video will normally 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.
- Royal Institution "Becquerel to Oppenheimer: The science of the nuclear age"The Royal Institution, London
This livestream from the Royal Institution of Great Britain invites you to listen to Frank Close who takes us on a journey through the potentially devastating science and history of the nuclear age.
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/becquerel-oppenheimer-science-nuclear-age
SUMMARY
Could the atomic energy contained in a gram of radium really drive a ship across the Atlantic? Did a traffic light near the Royal Institution really give Leo Szilard his idea of the chain reaction? And was Oppenheimer really the “father of the atomic bomb”?Ri favourite, and former Christmas Lecturer Frank Close explains how an accidental discovery of a faint smudge on a photographic plate made by physicist Henry Becquerel in 1896 sparked a chain of discoveries which would unleash the atomic age, and reveals some of the myths that have grown around this saga.
Discover the story of how pursuit of this hidden nuclear power source, which began innocently and collaboratively, was overwhelmed by the politics of the 1930s, and following devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki opened the way to a still more terrible possibility: a thermonuclear bomb, the so-called “backyard weapon”, that could destroy all life on earth – from anywhere.
Copies of Frank's book "Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age: 1895-1965" will be available for purchase after the talk.
The Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm. A Pay Bar will be available from 6.00pm. It will open again after the talk, until 9.30pm.
If you register but miss the livestream, the video will normally 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.
