Science Café. What are science cafés? Science cafés are events that host informal conversations between experts and members of the public about a current research topic – primarily that of researchers. A key difference to a public lecture is the location; science cafés are held at generic venues where the public does not expect to encounter science but might otherwise be familiar with, especially during their leisure time. As such, these venues constitute a neutral meeting point between science and publics41. Examples of places where science cafés are held include cafés themselves but also bars, pubs, restaurants and bookshops. Science cafés have also been held in schools, to give pupils a flavour of what research looks like42. The format of a science café is flexible and can be adapted to different countries and cultures. Some involve a single speaker whilst others involve several and can include researchers from different disciplines around a single topic. Despite the name, science cafés do not only have to focus on science – research in the social sciences and the arts and humanities are also topics for discussion. However, a vital element is the inclusion of discussion, dialogue and two-way interaction – whether it is done through conversations in tables, through a more standard question and answer session or other forms of expression. In this way, members of the public are able to discuss research in a relaxed environment, with no assumptions about their prior knowledge. 41 Bultitude, K. and Xxxxx, A.M., Leisure and Pleasure: Science events in unusual locations, International Journal of Science Education, 34:18, 2775-2795, 2012 Informal settings are also an appropriate setting for learning about and discussing emerging and potentially controversial technologies like synthetic biology43. What rationales do science cafés serve? In general the main purpose of science cafés is to inform and engage members of the public about an aspect of research. Whilst certain topics, such as those that are connected to public concerns, are likely to generate interest, the key aspect is for participants to have a conversation with a researcher about the work they are currently doing44. In addition, the discursive element of science cafés enables the participants to convey their own opinions and values to the researchers. Previous science cafés have enabled researchers to gauge the extent of public awareness of synthetic biology as well as exploring public views on potential benefits,...
