Swindon Science Cafe

16/09/24

Have you ever wondered how your everyday choices help combat climate change? Or why soil health is vital for the future of our planet? Perhaps you’re interested in the rush for cobalt – an essential element in batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics – and its cost to both the environment and human lives. If these questions spark your curiosity, then the Swindon Science Café is the perfect place for you!

Held on the first Tuesday of every month at the iCAST Creative Hub, this informal series brings science to life with fascinating talks and lively discussions in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There are no long lectures – just an engaging, two-way conversation between researchers and an audience of curious minds.

The Festival of Tomorrow - Swindon Science Cafe

Join us on Tuesday 1 April for a lively informal evening of discovery and discussion with Professor Saiful Islam, University of Oxford.

The supply of low carbon energy is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Major breakthroughs in green energy technologies require advances in new materials and underpinning science.

With the aid of 3D glasses, this talk will explore the materials science of lithium batteries for electric vehicles and novel compounds for next-generation solar cells, as well as highlighting the use of computer modelling to allow crystal gazing on the atomic-scale.

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Saiful is Professor of Materials Science at the University of Oxford. He grew up in Crouch End, north London and obtained his Chemistry degree and PhD from University College London. He then worked at the Eastman Kodak Labs, New York, and the Universities of Surrey and Bath.

His research focuses on understanding atomic-scale processes in new materials for lithium batteries and solar cells. Saiful has received several awards including from the Royal Society, American Chemical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry.

He presented the 2016 BBC Royal Institution Christmas Lectures which included a lemon battery world record. He is a Patron of Humanists UK and when not exploring new materials, he enjoys family breaks (as a dad of two), films and indie music.

Research website: https://bit.ly/327BgQr

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In partnership with Swindon Literature Festival, join us for a lively informal evening of discovery and discussion with Professor Carey Jewitt, University College London.

Touch matters. It is fundamental to how we know ourselves and each other, and it is central to how we communicate. Digital touch is embedded in many technologies, from wearable devices and gaming hardware to tactile robots and future technologies.

What would it be like if we could hug or touch digitally across distance? How might this shape our sense of connection? How might we establish trust or protect our privacy and safety? Any other touchy-feely questions?

Professor of Technology and Interaction at University College London, Carey Jewitt is co-author of Digital Touch

Booking opens midday 3rd April

Digital Touch is a timely and original book that addresses such questions. Offering a rich account of digital touch, the book introduces the key issues and debates, as well as the design and ethical challenges raised by digital touch. Using clear, accessible examples and creative scenarios, the book shows how touch – how we touch, as well as what, whom and when we touch – is being profoundly reshaped by our use of technologies. Above all, it highlights the importance of digital touch in our daily lives and how it will impact our relationships and way of life in the future.

The first work of its kind, Digital Touch is the go-to book for anyone wanting to get to grips with this crucial emerging topic, especially students and scholars of Digital Media and Communication Studies, Digital Humanities, Sensory Studies, and Science and Technology Studies.

Here’s a taste of the exciting talks planned for the next four months:

1^st April 2025: Green Energy Materials in 3D (Batteries Included), with Saiful Islam
6^th May 2025: Digital Touch, with Prof. Carey Jewitt. In partnership with Swindon Festival of Literature.
3^rd June 2025: AI / Robotics, with Prof. Alan Winfield

Everyone is welcome

Come and express your views or just enjoy a drink and listen. No scientific knowledge is needed to take part - just bring your curiosity, and maybe your own bottle of choice.

A selection of light refreshments will be available in return for a donation on the night, or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks with you.

WHEN: The first Tuesday of each month, from 7pm - 9pm.

The screening will start around 7.15pm, followed by questions and discussion.

WHERE: Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub located in the iconic Carriage Works. 10 Carriage Works, Unit 7B, London Street, Swindon, SN1 5FB

Enter the following three words into the What Three Words app to find the exact location:

Front entrance: ///friday.index.solo

Rear entrance: ///cups.shell.face

Swindon Science Cafe is organised by:

The Festival of Tomorrow

The Royal Agriculture University

Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology

The University of Bath Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST)

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Swindon Science Cafe

Join us on Tuesday 1 April for a lively informal evening of discovery and discussion with Professor Saiful Islam, University of Oxford.

In partnership with Swindon Literature Festival, join us for a lively informal evening of discovery and discussion with Professor Carey Jewitt, University College London.

Swindon Science Cafe is organised by:

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