Have you ever wondered what would happen if research conversations moved from lecture theatres and laboratories to cafés and pubs?
That’s exactly the idea behind Pint of Science, an international festival that brings researchers and the public together in relaxed, informal settings to explore fascinating ideas, discoveries and innovations. With plans now underway for Pint of Science Edinburgh 2027, Edinburgh Napier colleagues are being encouraged to get involved.
Whether you’re interested in sharing your research with new audiences or helping organise one of Edinburgh’s largest science engagement events, there are opportunities to participate as either a volunteer organiser or speaker.
What is Pint of Science?
Pint of Science aims to make research accessible and engaging by creating opportunities for people to hear directly from researchers in an informal setting. Whether your work focuses on health, technology, society, sustainability, the creative arts or anything in between, the festival offers a unique way to connect with new audiences and showcase the real-world relevance of your research.
On Monday 10, Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 May 2027, scientists and researchers will make their way from laboratories, studios and campuses to venues across Edinburgh to share their research stories with the public.
Last year, Edinburgh hosted one of the largest Pint of Science events in the UK, attracting audiences from across the city to hear about the latest discoveries and innovations.
For Edinburgh Napier colleagues, it provides an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of your research, develop public engagement skills, and contribute to conversations beyond academia.
What’s involved for volunteers?
The festival doesn’t happen by itself; it needs a team of enthusiastic and inventive volunteers to make it happen. Roles require part-time commitment from November to May and include event manager, communications manager and photographers.
Pint of Science is a great way to learn team-working, event management and science public engagement. Not only is it a great boost to your CV, it’s also excellent for meeting like-minded people with a passion for science.
Each event is classed into one of the following topics:
- Beautiful Mind (neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry)
- Atoms to Galaxies (physics, chemistry, maths, astronomy)
- Our Body (medicine, human biology, health)
- Planet Earth (geosciences, plant sciences, zoology)
- Tech Me Out (biotechnology, robotics, computers)
- Our Society (law, history, politics, policy, languages)
- Creative Reactions (where science meets art)
Each volunteer will be assigned a group based on their interests and expertise, and will help that group find a venue, seek out speakers, and ensure the events run smoothly on the night.
If you want to get involved and help showcase the world-class science that happens across Edinburgh, please complete this form by 16 November to register your interest. An introductory meeting is scheduled to take place online on 18 November 2026.
Could your research spark conversations beyond the campus?
If you are interested in taking your research to a wider audience and think your research would make a great talk, presenting at Pint of Science is a fantastic opportunity to share your work with the public in a welcoming and informal environment.
Sign up here to register your interest as a speaker, and an organiser will be in touch early in the New Year.
Visit the website to learn more: pintofscience.co.uk