Pint of Science Festival 2025 in Pune: Craft Beer and Conversations on AI, Evolution, and Outer Space
The city of Pune is set to come alive with exciting scientific discussions in a unique and informal setting as the Pint of Science Festival returns for its 2025 edition from May 18 to 20. This global festival combines the casual atmosphere of craft beer bars with engaging conversations on cutting-edge scientific topics such as Mars missions, artificial intelligence (AI), evolution, and space exploration.
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 non-profit initiative dedicated to bringing scientific knowledge out of laboratories and academic conferences and into public spaces. The festival’s core idea is to create informal settings, such as pubs and bars, where scientists can talk directly to the public about their work in an accessible and engaging manner without intimidating academic jargon.
Originally started in the UK, the festival has rapidly expanded to more than 500 cities across 27 countries. India joined the movement in 2024 with events held in Pune, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, attracting enthusiastic audiences. For 2025, Pint of Science India has expanded further, including new editions in Mumbai and Guwahati, hosting 44 speakers across seven venues in five cities.
Pune Edition Highlights
In Pune, selected venues such as Dorf Brewhouse in Baner and Quench Bar and Eatery will transform into vibrant hubs for science enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Day 1: From Red Spices to the Red Planet
The festival kicks off with an intriguing session titled From Red Spices to the Red Planet, featuring Anjali Kulkarni and Sneha Rode from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). This session will creatively link food chemistry, immunity, and nutrition with planetary science and space exploration, showing how diverse scientific disciplines can intersect in fascinating ways.
Day 2: Science Meets Art and Deep Tech Insights
The second day brings a creative take with Science Meets Art!, hosted by artist and software professional Yogendra Joshi. The session explores how scientific principles influence artistic expression, pigments, and materials. Another highlight is Follow the Light, presented by Suryarao Bethapudi from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), which delves into optics, human visual perception, and the science behind interpreting light and color.
Day 3: Life on Earth, Beyond, and Evolution
On the concluding day, the focus shifts to life sciences. Sneha Pandit, a postdoctoral fellow at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), leads Life on Earth and Beyond, which examines astrobiology, planetary habitability, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. Another session titled Nature and Nurture features integrative ecologist Mihir Joshi from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), along with STEM educator Vaishnavee Kulkarni from IISER Pune. They discuss evolution, genetics, and human behavior, offering insights into the complexities of life on Earth.
The Importance of Pint of Science Festival in India
Debarati Chatterjee, professor at IUCAA and director of Pint of Science India, emphasizes the festival’s significance in raising the visibility of Indian research on global platforms. It showcases the role of women in science, encourages career exploration beyond mainstream disciplines, and promotes direct interaction between scientists, students, entrepreneurs, and the public. This collaborative environment fosters new ideas, potential partnerships, and a greater appreciation for scientific innovation.
Experience Science Like Never Before
The Pint of Science Festival offers a refreshing alternative to traditional academic dissemination by merging science with everyday social environments. Attendees not only get to enjoy craft beer but also engage in meaningful conversations with researchers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and breakthroughs in AI, evolution, space missions, and much more.
If you are in Pune or other participating cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, or Guwahati, this is an unmissable chance to explore science beyond textbooks and lectures — in a fun, relaxed, and inclusive atmosphere.
Join the Pint of Science Festival 2025 from May 18 to 20 and discover the fascinating intersections of craft beer, science, and innovation!
