‘Science isn't distant … it's in your city over a pint' – Pint of Science Festival kicks off in Dublin pubs

Like how artificial intelligence can interpret your emotions, or how sepsis can strike without warning, and what you should do if it does?
Tonight marks the launch of the three-day Pint of Science Festiva l, taking place across nine pubs in Dublin.
Running from May 19 to May 21, the festival invites the public to engage with researchers and scientists in a relaxed and informal setting.
Pint of Science is a charity organisation committed to making science accessible to everyone.
'We are trying to break down the traditional barriers between scientists and the public,' says Dr Namrata Iyer, a microbiologist and director of Pint of Science Ireland.
'Science isn't just for labs and lecture halls. It's for everyone – and what better place to talk about it than over a pint?'
Two events in Dublin will also include Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters.
'The interpreters study the talks in advance, prepare for technical terms, so that people can join in and enjoy,' says Dr Iyer, who one day hopes to give her own talk on topics like human microbiome or how women's health is underrepresented in science.
One of the anticipated talks this Wednesday night comes from Professor Steve Kerrigan, Deputy Head of the School of Pharmacy (Research) at RCSI, whose work on sepsis focuses on saving lives by raising awareness.
'The whole point of Pint of Science is... I just want people to understand this is what sepsis is, from what we know what it is, and take it from there,' he says.
Professor Kerrigan warns that the signs of sepsis are dangerously easy to miss.
'If you've got cancer, you may feel sick, and you'll go to your doctor and be looked after,' he said.
'If you have a stroke, there are visible signs – your face might change, your speech may slur, or you might have difficulty with your tongue.
'But with sepsis, nothing changes, and this is where the problem lies: it's non-specific.
'If people ignore the signs and symptoms associated with sepsis, that is when the infection spreads to all parts of the body and is very difficult to treat after that.'
Rachna Gowlikar, co-manager of the event, says Pint of Science also brings people closer.
'It's a chance to walk into a pub, grab a pint, and ask a scientist, 'What exactly do you do, and why?' That simple question can spark real conversations and new ideas,' she said.
'Events like these don't just make science accessible, they make it human. It's not a lecture hall or a lab.
'It's a creative space where you meet locals, challenge ideas, and realise that science isn't distant. It's right here, in your city, over a pint.'
Events run from 7pm to 9pm each evening, and the festival is free to attend. For full details visit www.pintofscience.ie

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