Science in the Café

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WELCOME to the Science Centre's series of informal discussions. We call it Science in the Café. To be enjoyed in the cool of the Singapore evening (outdoors). Or, on cool sofa comfort in our lounge.

Based on the internationally acclaimed Café Scientifique, our Café is meant to be a place, an environment, an ambience, in which anyone can come to explore ideas of science and technology over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine! That is, it is a non-conventional, non-academic, "non-scientific" meeting place. Just like those long discussions over coffee in the cafeteria – outside of the traditional academic milieu.

Our Café is meant to be a forum for discussing ideas and issues on science and technology. It is not a showcase or a specialised, technical discussion of the latest discoveries in science and technology – although showcases and discussions are equally welcome if they engage you in the ways of science. This is part of the Science Centre’s mission of promoting public engagement in science and technology, and in a sense, of making science and technology accountable to the people who (will) pay for it in more ways than one! It is also the place for anyone to ask those science and technology questions they have always wanted to ask. What is Life? Time? Intelligence?

As it is meant to be informal, there is no "procedure" to be enforced, but the chain of events usually starts with a short presentation (an introduction) by the invited speaker – usually a scientist or a technologist, writer, artist, etc. This is followed by a short break for all present to refill their glasses and/or hold group discussions. Then the floodgates of Q&A are opened. Please look in the page For Presenters for more details. Where the thread of the discussion leads is opened to all who will direct it. There is an agenda and it is set by those present. You can start with "This may be a silly question but ..." Such questions often lead to insights not previously thought of by those listening and even by the one asking! But remember to share with all present; this is NOT a chance for a one-on-one with the presenter! In this way, ...

Everyone Learns!!!

Points to note

• Due to the need to plan the venue and catering,
  • attendance is by invitation only, and,
  • pre-registration is required and on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Please see Your Reservations for more details.
• The organisers reserve the right
  • to reject requests for reservations usually due to overwhelming response, or,
  • to deny entry to "walk-in" attendees usually due to pre-planned seating and catering constraints.
• For more information, feedback, reservations, etc, please use the links under the title.