As part of the Art Society’s mission to be a centre of excellence for arts and sciences, steps were taken to gain membership of the worldwide network of Café Scientifique (www.cafescientifique.org)

 

Café Scientifique is held on the first Sunday afternoon of the month, alternating with the Art talks. With a gold coin donation members, friends and guests can enjoy afternoon tea and come to have a conversation about the latest ideas in science, engineering and technology. They are often challenging, inspiring and always enjoyable and lots of fun.

 

The concept originated in the United Kingdom and the first Cafés Scientifiques were held in Leeds in 1998. From there, cafes gradually spread across the country and around the world. Café Scientifique is a forum for debating science issues, not a shop window for science. The commitment is to promoting engagement with science and to making science accountable.

 

Café audiences are therefore people who are interested in science. Anyone can participate; speakers are there to be questioned and to talk about their work at all levels. Cafés start with a short talk (usually no more than twenty minutes) 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