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 (ie outdoors). Or, on cool sofa comfort in our lounge for Science in the Lounge.

Based on the internationally successful Café Scientifique, our Café is meant to be a place, an environment, an ambience, in which anyone can come to explore ideas in and of science and technology over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine(!). That is, it is a non-conventional, non-academic, “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 issues on science and technology. It is not a showcase or a specialised, technical discussion of the latest works in science and technology. This is well in line with 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 strict, orderly "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.

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 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-to-one with the presenter! In this way, ...

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EVERYONE LEARNS!!!

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Points to note

• Attendance is by invitation only.
• Pre-registration is required and on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Please use the on-line form, if possible.
• Cafés usually start at 7pm and end around 9pm.
• Cafés are held within Science Centre Singapore – usually at one of the following venues:
  • The Newton Room (mezzanine lounge on Level 2)
  • The Maxwell, The Mendel or The Dalton (lecture auditoriums)
  • The Annexe Courtyard (open air area)
  • In an Exhibition Gallery
• The organisers reserve the right to
  • reject requests for reservations (usually due to overwhelming response), or,
  • re-schedule or cancel a café as circumstances dictate.
• Do reserve your places early and be punctual.
• An e-mail reminder will be sent to all who made reservations at least a day before the event.
• For more information, feedback and/or registration, please use the links in the left column.