On Tuesday evening, the Carriage Works buzzed with excitement as residents gathered for the inaugural Swindon Science Café, a new initiative aimed at fostering discussions around science, innovation, and pressing global issues.
The event attracted a large audience eager to engage with the topic, and the organisers were delighted with the turnout.
Taking place on the first Tuesday of each month at the iCAST Creative Hub, this informal series encourages lively discussions and social interactions in a relaxed environment. Gone are the days of lengthy lectures; instead, attendees enjoyed engaging conversations with researchers, all while savouring a drink. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Bath’s Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST), the Royal Agricultural University Swindon, the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, and the Festival of Tomorrow.
The debut event featured a screening of the award-winning documentary Cobalt Rush, a compelling 20-minute film that explores the complexities of cobalt extraction from the viewpoint of artisanal miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This thought-provoking presentation set the stage for discussions on the ethical implications of resource extraction in our modern world.
Looking ahead, the next Swindon Science Café in November promises an engaging discussion on climate change, led by Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE from the University of Bath. As a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Professor Whitmarsh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making her a valuable contributor to this crucial conversation.
While the next three events have been scheduled, the organisers encouraged attendees to suggest future topics. Ideas ranged from the potential of lab-grown meat to exploring how humanity can effectively harness artificial intelligence before it becomes overwhelming.
Those interested in attending future events are encouraged to sign up for updates via the Festival of Tomorrow website and follow their social media channels. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up in the next few months:
- 5th November 2024: COP28: How Can People Engage with Climate Change? with Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, University of Bath
- 3rd December 2024: Soil Health with Dr David O’Connor, Royal Agricultural University
- 7th January 2025: Not Just for Christmas: Making the Most of your Christmas Tree with Professor Matthew Davidson, University of Bath / iCAST
