Colchester Café Scientifique is a place to explore the latest scientific research, as explained by those doing the research.  We meet at the Common Community Café at Minories in Colchester over refreshments and cake.  It’s a great way to meet new people and exercise your mind.

How do babies learn language?  What can you learn from animal poo at Colchester Zoo?  How do barnacles stick to rocks?  What can we learn from Colchester’s Roman skeletons?  How can we breed drought-tolerant crops?  All these questions, and many more, have been explored at recent events.

Café Scientifique is a forum for debating science issues, not a shop window for science.  We are committed to promoting public engagement with science and to making science accountable.

What happens at a Café Scientifique?

Cafés start with a presentation by the speaker, to introduce the topic.  After this there is a short break for more refreshments and conversations to start.  This is followed by questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question, and we positively welcome those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.

Does Colchester Café Scientifique make a profit?

No, there is no charge to attend Colchester Café Scientifique meetings as all involved give their time free of charge.  However, we encourage attendees to purchase refreshments in the Commons Community Café as they do not charge for room hire.

When & Where?

Colchester Café Scientifique meetings usually take place on the second Wednesday of each month from October to May inclusive in The Commons Community Café at The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE. 

Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start, finishing at 8:55pm.

This season is the 15th anniversary of Colchester Café Scientifique meetings and if you wish to be included on our email list to receive monthly details of future presentations, please contact Bob at rgkemp@btopenworld.com.