Science in the Pub

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Posted 2015-08-31 by Jo Harris ⇒ follow

Fri 04 Sep 2015

Take a pub, a Friday evening, some leading researchers and some hot topics in the scientific arena. Mix well with a few beers and nibbles and an audience that's all ears and keen to get the latest news in the field.

The result? , or SciPub, should you prefer the shorthand.

isn't a lecture series delivered by experts. It's a genuine attempt to engage the community – scientists or not – in the shared interest of understanding, criticising, debating and learning more about current issues in science.
It's primary goal is to 'promote understanding of and enthusiasm for science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) in the general public'.

To this end, it's held in a pub – not an academic backdrop by any means, but a fun, non-threatening environment where participants can listen, weigh up the evidence and ask questions, pass an opinion and learn some more. Informal discussions inevitably continue long after the official part of the evening.

There's a seemingly limitless supply of information 'out there' on television and the internet for example, so how do we know what's worth taking on board?
Each month, the SciPub organising committee selects a panel of three researchers in a specific area – they're the ones who can help you to understand a topic, form a rational opinion and contribute to a discussion.

Over time, feedback from enthusiastic audiences (usually in the realm of 75 – 100 people) has driven the topics and September's offering is no exception.

Marine ecology: Sea-ing into the future has resulted from requests made on several occasions – and the audience is in for a real treat.

Organisers have worked closely with Australian Marine Sciences Association, South Australia (AMSA), to identify a diverse and talented panel, each of whom will deliver a short presentation.

Professor Bronwyn Gillanders (University of Adelaide), Assoc Professer Ivan Nagelkerken (University of Adelaide) and Dr Charles Huveneers (Flinders University) will discuss marine resource management, from wilidlife tourism to the sustainability of fisheries and human impacts on marine environments.

Professor Gillanders' research program covers both marine and freshwater environments. One current project involves her research group exploring the biology and ecology of the giant Australian cuttlefish, the largest species of cuttlefish in the world.

Assoc Professor Nagelkerken's current work as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow is investigating how climate change will affect fishes and marine ecosystems. His work contributes directly to today's environmental issues by providing answers to contemporary scientific questions as well as management and conservation related problems.

Dr Huveneers has been researching sharks for over ten years, studying their diets along with movement and migration patters, using satellite technology.

With such a fabulous range of topics and expertise, one can only look forward to the question and answer session at the conclusion of presentations!

So, if you're looking for a stimulating Friday night of entertainment, laced with a serious dose of learning, head to The Avenues Tavern at 106 Payneham Road, Stepney. (Regular followers of , please note the change of venue.)

Since its inception around a year ago, has developed a fabulous reputation in the local Science community – it's considered a 'real success story' by leading figures in science here in Adelaide. And now, it has spread to Tasmania, with founding members Andy Files and Emily Johnston Files expanding the SciPub venture following their move from Adelaide.

To be part of this success story, join the team at 6:00pm on Friday 4 September at The Avenues Tavern – the organisers and panellists love to see new faces. Their advice is to arrive early to enjoy some of the free nibbles and to ensure a good seat!