About Us
Café Scientifique is a forum for the discussion of current work and interesting scientific issues. Meetings are informal and accessible.
Café audiences are people who are interested in science. Anyone can participate; speakers are there to be questioned and talk about their work at all levels.
Cafés start with a short talk (usually about 20 min) by the speaker, to introduce the topic. After this there is usually a short break to allow glasses to be refilled and conversations to start. This is followed by an hour or so of questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question, and we positively welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.
Where and when?
Our Café Scientifique meetings are hosted in Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street. They are held regularly on the first Monday of the month (but not always – please check our Events list) and free to attend.
Here’s a location map.
What subjects will be discussed?
Café Scientifique Glasgow covers a wide range of issues relating to science and technology, such as astronomy, genetics, biofuels, ebola, sarcastic robots, synaesthesia, particle physics etc.
We also welcome suggestions from the audience about the programme. If you want to find out more about a particular topic, come along to the meeting and suggest it to the organisers.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
Café Sci meetings are free and you can just turn up on the night.
Does Café Scientifique make a profit?
Café Scientifique does not make a profit from events or pay fees to speakers.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact one of our organisers.
Find out what others said about Café Scientifique Glasgow
" I find the talks really interesting and I like the fact that the talks are only 20 mins which keeps them interesting but not too long! I like the questions best as I learn lots and I can ask the questions I want. Café Scientifique has made me more interested in science - it's so much more interesting than school science. I used to think I'd never be a scientist but some of the things we learn about are really fun and I could now see myself doing some of the research and jobs that scientists do."
Archie, School Boy, age 11
"Cafe Scientifique is interesting with a great format and it also exposes you to concepts and stories you might have never have come across otherwise. It hasn't changed my life but it's certainly enriched it!"
Al, Princes Trust Scotland, age 40-50
"The event brought together a really diverse range of people which was fascinating. The chats at the bar on the break and discussions sparked post-event were incredible and I've made real friends since attending. Overall it makes science accessible. I learned about subject matter I never thought could be interesting and made me want to follow up with more research. Since attending my first about 4 years ago I still have discussions with people about topics that were brought up. The information I learned has been valuable in many a heated discussion! The group is so informal and approachable - as well as it being a rather unique event where the subject matter has depth, it's also a wonderful social event. It's certainly taught me about subject matter I’d never have an insight into on a daily basis. I also have had access to speakers who I’d normally never meet. Interesting characters from all walks of life - those memories have certainly broadened my mind."
Jonathan, Photographer, age 30-40
"Cafe Scientifique gives me the opportunity to hear new science spoken in an easy to understand fashion. Best topic: Health in West of Scotland. It has changed my life in that my own presentational approach now is much simpler and I focus more on content less on style."
Kevin, Director, age 50-60
