May 14, 2018

UOW researchers raise a glass to science

Pint of Science event uses pub to link researchers with community. 

For the first time, Wollongong will host some of our brightest science minds in the pub as part of a global science festival.

From 14 to 16 May, pubs across the world will celebrate Pint of Science, an annual event that connects researchers with the community in a relaxed environment.

From tackling research in Antarctica to fighting disease at a molecular level and building better bras, UOW researchers will be sharing their groundbreaking research over a pint or two at the UOW UniBar.

Members of the public will be given the opportunity to chat to researchers in an informal setting and raise their glass to science.

Pint of Science Wollongong Region Coordinator and UOW researcher Dr Kimberley Davis said that the volunteer-run festival was a great way to bring local science research into an everyday, real-life context.

“There is some truly amazing research being done right here in our hometown of Wollongong, at UOW as well as at its commercial partners such as BlueScope; work that can make a real difference to people’s lives and the environment around us,” she said.

“It’s a great chance for those who may have an interest in how these things work, but not necessarily have any science background, to come and hear the researchers talk about it in a non-jargon way.”

The Wollongong event will run over three evenings, each featuring two UOW scientists. Dr Phil Barker and Dr David Cortie will discuss the science of paint and challenges in the future of silicon respectively. Professor Antoine van Oijen and Professor Julie Steele will explore how molecules play a role in disease fighting and the biomechanics of better bras. Professor Dianne Jolley and Dr Helen McGregor who will chat about Antarctic research expeditions and recent El Niño weather events.

The Pint of Science event takes place annually in 21 countries worldwide and will be celebrated at 32 pubs in 16 locations across Australia, where it is powered by CSIRO.

This year will be the first time Wollongong has hosted a Pint of Science event, giving UOW researchers the opportunity to showcase their research in an informal and relaxed setting.

Tickets are available through the Pint of Science website.

Pint of Science Wollongong Schedule

Monday 14 May: Atomic Bonds, colorbonds and silicons – Dr Phil Barker and Dr David Cortie
Tuesday 15 May: Minute Molecular Mechanics and Best Bras – Professor Antoine van Oijen and Professor Julie Steele
Wednesday 16 May: Environmental Science and Chill – Professor Dianne Jolley and Dr Helen McGregor