Pint of Science brings basic scientific questions to life in Cologne pubs

Pint of Science, an annual series of events hosted by the scientific community in Cologne, kicked off on May 13th at the Lost Level bar with talks by scientists from diverse backgrounds. These talks were uniquely tailored to the public and were followed by discussions initiated by audience questions. The event continued in two other bars over the following two evenings, bringing more than 200 science enthusiasts into contact with local scientists.

The phrase “Good question! I actually don’t know!” was heard frequently in response to public questions. Along with rediscovering the broader context of their research and how it fits into the bigger picture of our society, the scientists enjoyed the opportunity to step back from the details that occupy their research and rethink the basics.

ML4Q was present, with Ananya Singh, a Ph.D. student at RWTH Aachen University, taking the stage at the closing event. He explained electron modes in graphene through the lens of his experience as a hip-hop/urban professional dancer in a talk titled “The dance of drunk and sober graphene.”

ML4Q was also represented by a second speaker, Prof. Sebastian Hofferberth from Bonn University. He brought an oscilloscope to the stage to explain the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics through a single-photon interference experiment. Although quantum mechanics is central to the way physicists understand the world today, it remains challenging to comprehend.

Pint of Science is an international non-profit organization dedicated to hosting festivals that bridge the gap between local researchers and the general public. Through local pubs, bars, cafes, and public spaces, the organization fosters a unique environment where researchers can share and discuss their findings with the community. This year’s events, held from May 13 to May 15, spanned 25 different countries and more than 500 cities, including Cologne. The event in Cologne was jointly organized by doctoral students and Public Outreach Mangers from the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing, Metabolism Research and Plant Breeding Research in Cologne and the two Excellence Clusters at the University of Cologne, CECAD and ML4Q.

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