Sheffield’s pubs are set to swap small talk for science this May, as the global Pint of Science festival returns with a packed programme of talks, demos and hands-on experiments.
Running from 18 – 20 May, the festival brings researchers from the University of Sheffield out of their labs and into venues across the city, including Sheffield Plate, The Lescar, Neepsend Social Club, 99 Mary Street and Sheffield Tap. With more than 40 events on offer, audiences can expect everything from cosmic deep-dives to edible experiments – all delivered in an informal, pub-friendly setting.
Now in its fourteenth year, Pint of Science has grown into the world’s largest public science festival, built on a simple idea: make cutting-edge research accessible to everyone. In Sheffield, that means swapping lecture theatres for bar stools and inviting curious locals to engage directly with the people behind the science.
PUB CHATS: TALK HIGHLIGHTS
• Into the unknown – Researcher Sofie Reid explores what really happens if you fall into a black hole, and whether these cosmic mysteries could mark a beginning rather than an end.
• The science of taste – Professor Matt Carre and Dr Sam Davison unpack why chocolate feels smooth while other foods don’t, with a chance to test textures for yourself.
• Your ‘second brain’ – Nikolas Stefanidis dives into the gut’s hidden nervous system, blending biology, maths and computing to explain how it works.
• CSI: DNA – Tobi Firth uses powerful microscopy to show how radiotherapy damages DNA at a molecular level in cancer treatment.
• Turtle trouble – Alessia Lavigne investigates why some turtle eggs fail to hatch, and why the answers matter for endangered species.
• Gaming and the mind – Eleanor Jackson challenges myths around video games, revealing their potential cognitive benefits.
Festival co-founder Praveen Paul said: “It’s incredible to see how a conversation among friends has sparked such widespread curiosity and brought scientific research into the public eye.
“Everyone deserves the chance to explore and question the diverse research happening across the UK. None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, who create inspiring events that ignite curiosity and connection. The toughest part is simply choosing which brilliant event to attend.”
All tickets are £5 and can be booked at pintofscience.co.uk
