Pint of Science Festival 2025 in Pune: Craft Beer Meets Cutting-Edge Science

The vibrant city of Pune is all set to host the Pint of Science Festival 2025 from May 18 to 20, turning popular local bars into informal science hubs. This three-day global event welcomes scientists and researchers to share their knowledge on fascinating topics such as artificial intelligence, evolution, space exploration, and more—all over a pint of craft beer.

What is the Pint of Science Festival?

Founded in 2012 by scientists Praveen Paul and Michael Motskin from Imperial College, London, Pint of Science is a nonprofit initiative with a clear mission: to bring science directly to the public beyond the traditional confines of academic journals, conferences, and labs. The festival creates engaging and accessible spaces where scientists communicate their research in a friendly and relaxed environment, far from intimidating lecture halls or technical jargon.

Since its inception in the UK, the festival has rapidly expanded into a global movement, spanning over 500 cities across 27 countries. India joined the global network recently, with Pune, Bengaluru, and New Delhi hosting events last year that garnered enthusiastic audiences. This year, the festival is growing further with five Indian cities, including new editions in Mumbai and Guwahati, featuring 44 speakers across seven venues nationwide.

Pune’s Unique Festival Experience

In Pune, venues like Dorf Brewhouse in Baner and Quench Bar and Eatery will transform into bustling centers of science communication. Attendees can enjoy craft beer while engaging in conversations with leading researchers who explain their work in accessible language.

Debarati Chatterjee, Professor at IUCAA and Director of Pint of Science India, emphasizes the festival’s impact on the local scientific community. She notes that it provides a platform for Indian research to gain global visibility, showcases the role of women in science, highlights lesser-known scientific careers, and fosters direct dialogue between scientists, students, entrepreneurs, and the public, potentially sparking collaborations.

Highlights of the Pune Sessions

• From Red Spices to the Red Planet: Anjali Kulkarni and Sneha Rode from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will intriguingly connect food chemistry, immunity, nutrition, planetary science, and space exploration.
• Deep Tech from Space to Streaming Videos: Experts will discuss how space science, artificial intelligence, data systems, and video streaming technologies interplay in everyday life.
• Science Meets Art!: Hosted by Yogendra Joshi, this session explores how scientific principles influence artistic expression, pigments, and materials.
• Follow the Light: Suryarao Bethapudi from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) will delve into optics, visual perception, and the science behind how humans interpret light and color.
• Life on Earth and Beyond: Astrobiology, habitability, and the search for extraterrestrial life will be explored by Sneha Pandit, postdoctoral fellow at IUCAA.
• Nature and Nurture: Integrative ecologist Mihir Joshi and STEM educator Vaishnavee Kulkarni will examine evolution, genetics, and human behavior.

Why Attend the Pint of Science Festival?

This festival is an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with scientists and understand the cutting-edge research happening in India and around the world. By welcoming everyone to informal settings with craft beer, it breaks down barriers and fosters curiosity and learning. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, or just a science enthusiast, Pint of Science offers unique, thought-provoking conversations that ignite the imagination.

Conclusion

Pune’s Pint of Science Festival 2025 is more than just a series of lectures; it is a celebration of science as an open, accessible, and enjoyable pursuit for all. From AI to outer space, from the chemistry of spices to the mysteries of life, this festival promises a fascinating journey that combines knowledge with a social vibe. Mark your calendar for May 18 to 20 and join the conversations at Dorf Brewhouse and Quench Bar and Eatery!