From black holes to second brains: Sheffield scientists swap their labs for local pubs

Curious minds are invited to unravel life’s great mysteries - ranging from what happens if you fall into a black hole to why chocolate feels so luxurious in your mouth - as the world’s largest public science festival returns to Sheffield.

Pint of Science will see University of Sheffield scientists, researchers and PhD students venture out of their labs to share their discoveries in pubs and venues across the city, showcasing their work in settings where everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the conversation.

This year’s festival has over 40 talks, demonstrations and live experiments in five popular venues across the city from 18 - 20 May: Sheffield Plate, The Lescar, Neepsend Social Club, 99 Mary Street and the Sheffield Tap.

One of this year’s presenters and event organisers Eleanor Jackson, whose talk will explore the psychological impacts of video games, said: “Pint of Science is a great opportunity to find out about the cutting-edge research happening right on your doorstep.

“You don't need any prior science knowledge to get involved, and like any good visit to the pub, there are plenty of drinks and sometimes even a quiz!

“Over the past few years of organising the event, I've been amazed by the passion of the researchers and the energy in the room. It inspired me to present my own research this year."

Pint of Science Sheffield highlights include:

• What happens when you fall into a black hole? Researcher Sofie Reid will take audiences on a voyage into one of the universe’s most mysterious components, with the tantalising suggestion that rather than signifying an end, black holes could instead be a beginning.
• Slip of the tongue: the friction of eating food? Join Professor Matt Carre and Dr Sam Davison to discover why food like chocolate feels so luxurious in the mouth while others cause a rough sensation - attendees may even get to test some treats in the name of science!
• How to build the second brain: One for those who’ve ever wondered what their gut thinks about what they’re feeding it! Researcher Nikolas Stefanidis will explore how the gut builds its own brain and how biology, maths and computers are helping shed light on its mysteries.
• CSI: DNA - watching damage, one molecule at a time: Radiotherapy has been used to damage DNA and treat cancer for decades - but what happens when it breaks? Researcher Tobi Firth will explain how an atomic force microscope, with a billion times zoom, can be used to explore one of the building blocks of life.
• To hatch or not to hatch? Eggsplore why turtle eggs fail: Seychellois researcher Alessia Lavigne will take audiences inside the hidden world of turtle reproduction to uncover why some eggs fail - and why developing this understanding is crucial for a species on the brink of extinction.
• Level up: how video games actually shape our minds: We’ve all heard the warnings that video games are bad for us, but what does the science actually say? In this session, Eleanor Jackson debunks common myths and reveals the hidden benefits of playing your favourite games.

All tickets are £5 and can be booked here.

Returning for its fourteenth year, the Pint of Science festival will see thousands of scientists simultaneously bring their research out of their workplace and into pubs, cafés and other venues in cities across the world.

Pint of Science Co-Founder Dr 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.”

Learn more about how independent thinking and shared ambition drive the University of Sheffield’s vision for a better future at: www. sheffield.ac.uk/ambition