30 April 2026
Scientists will be bringing their research to the Reading community through a series of exciting evening events next month, as part of the international Pint of Science festival.
The University of Reading is hosting three events as part of this year’s festival, an annual three-day event that sees scientists around the world visit their local cafes, pubs and community spaces to discuss their research in a relaxed, open environment.
The events will feature University researchers alongside other industry experts. All events will take place at the Pentahotel in Reading town centre between 18-20 May.
The three events are as follows:
Simulations and Second Chances: Technology is Transforming Human Capability – Monday 18 May
Hear about cutting edge technology from two very different worlds. The evening opens with a McLaren Racing Performance Engineer who will reveal how Formula 1 teams turn vast streams of real‑time data into split‑second decisions using hundreds of sensors on each car. The talk will then switch gears to take a look at innovations in stroke rehabilitation, exploring how haptic devices and virtual reality support safe movement, rebuild neural pathways, and track bilateral hand coordination for personalised recovery.
Neurons in Conversation: Brain Chemistry, Control and Communication – Tuesday 19 May
Explore the remarkable workings of the human brain through two very different windows into cognition. Discover how Parkinson’s disease alters the neural systems that shape speech, and how researchers study the brain’s real‑time adaptation to hearing one’s own altered voice. Then dive into the chemistry of thought as we explore a rigorous clinical trial testing whether vitamin B6 can influence the brain’s balance of glutamate and GABA in autism. An evening of voices, vitamins, and the beautiful complexity of the mind.
Threads of Life: Uncovering Earth's Hidden Stories – Wednesday 20 May
Uncover Earth's secrets written in genomes and bones. We'll start by taking a trip to ancient China, where recently discovered DNA reveals surprising insights into early societies. How did one of China's earliest urban settlers live? These questions have only just started to be unlocked. Join our paleogeneticist as he shares the findings from a novel study published in 2025. Then, fast-forward to today's living landscape, uncovering how cremation practices have an effect on our climate today. Has it always been this way? Let's unravel the story of ancient burial practices and how they shaped our natural environment.
Tickets are £5 and can be bought online. Each event runs between 7.30-9.30pm, with doors opening from 7pm.
Further information about the Pint of Science events, and how to buy tickets, can be found online.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
