“Science In The Pub,” a graduate student-managed group that encourages science for the general public, has a creative, social supplement to the intensive world of independent lab research.  They invite scientists from the Austin area and beyond to speak about their research to audiences composed of scientists and non-scientists alike.  Their goal? To  teach amazing things to the community. These free events are held at the historical Cactus Cafe on the UT campus.

Nick Meyerson, a graduate student at the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology in the College of Natural Sciences, chose to be involved with “Science In The Pub” because of its innovative social approach to science. He also helps with the growing public relations needs of the group.

Meyerson sees the benefits of the group in a number of situations.  “We learn how to put on seminars,” said Meyerson. “(In this field) One of your jobs is to bring people to the university.  Also, we’re able to put our work into the ears of the public.”  In addition to this, Meyerson appreciates the opportunity to stay connected to science while doing something other than lab research.

The group was started about a year ago and has seen their audience grow steadily.  “We built ourselves from the ground up and we are growing with the help of media,” said Meyerson.

The next event being hosted by “Science In The Pub” is happening on Friday, February 11, at 5 p.m.  Scientist and author Sheril Kirshenbaum is returning for her second visit, this time to promote her book, “The Science of Kissing.”

“Kirshenbaum draws from fields as divergent as classical history, evolutionary biology, and popular culture to explain one of humanity’s fondest pastimes,” explains the event’s press release.

Guests will be able to enjoy a casual and engaging speech about the science behind kissing, right on time for Valentine’s Day, which will surely increase interest in the event.

Science In The Pub launched their new website on Monday, February 7 and can be visited at http://www.scienceinthepub.co/.  Anyone interested in becoming involved with Science In The Pub in any capacity can contact the group through their website or at the events.  To learn more about Sheril Kirshenbaum, visit http://www.utexas.edu/know/2011/02/07/science_kissing/.