Antwerp Pint of Science Festival: Bringing Science from the Lab to the Pub

In Antwerp, the Pint of Science festival is brewing, creating a perfect blend of academia and casual pub atmosphere. Pint of Science is a global science communication initiative held annually in 25 countries around the world during the month of May. The premise is simple yet powerful – bringing researchers to local pubs to share their work in an informal and engaging manner. The goal is to break down barriers, make science accessible, and foster meaningful conversations between scientists and the public. This year’s festival will take place from May 13th to 15th (from 18:00 until 22:30). The tickets and program for Pint of Science will be released in April 2024. You can find more information on the Pint of Science Belgium website.

Antwerp’s Unique Flavor

In Antwerp, the 2024 edition of the Pint of Science festival is taking on a special flavor with events organized in three distinctive pubs: Café Moeskop, Café Boekowski, and Spéciale Belge Taproom. The dynamic lineup of 18 speakers, including PhD students and postdocs from the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine, ensures a diverse range of topics, from biomedical sciences to physical sciences and even exploring the intersection of science and art.

Meet the Antwerp Pint of Science Team

Dr. Lorenzo Cianni, Dr. Bronwen Martin, and Dr. Caroline Lanthier stand at the forefront of this year’s Pint of Science festival in Antwerp, driving the event with their expertise and passion for science communication. As the Antwerp Pint of Science Co-director and a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Antwerp Medicinal Chemistry Lab (UAMC), Dr. Lorenzo Cianni brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Dr. Caroline Lanthier, also a postdoctoral fellow in the UAMC lab, is an accomplished Pint of Science veteran with a history of co-directing festivals in France. Leveraging her international Pint of Science experience, she now takes on the role of Pint of Science co-director for Belgium. Dr. Bronwen Martin, another key player, coordinates science outreach activities for her faculty at the University of Antwerp. Her pivotal role in launching the inaugural Pint of Science festival in Belgium in 2018 underscores her commitment to making science accessible and engaging for all. Together, this dynamic trio spearheads the efforts to bring science out of the labs and into the heart of the community.

Pint of Science organizers Dr. Lorenzo Cianni, Dr. Bronwen Martin and Dr. Caroline Lanthier.

“I’m excited to organize this unique science festival in Belgium. A pub is an ideal setting to discuss the latest developments in science. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between science and the public”. – Dr Lorenzo Cianni

Behind the scenes is also a dedicated team of volunteers is working tirelessly to ensure the success of Pint of Science in Antwerp. Comprising a diverse group, each volunteer contributes their unique knowledge and flavor to the festival.

A Wide Range of Topics

The Antwerp Pint of Science festival will cover a diverse spectrum of fascinating subjects. From edible insects, aerospace science, malaria, to heart failure, the design of innovative medications, what we can learn from our wastewater, and the interplay between neuroscience and art. The combined efforts of the organizers, volunteers, and the local community are creating a space where science comes to life, breaking free from the confines of the laboratory and embracing the warmth of your local pub. We hope to see you there!

Interested in Sponsoring Pint of Science ?

We are actively seeking sponsors to support the festival. If you’re interested in sponsoring this exciting event, please get in touch with us. Your contribution will play a vital role in making Pint of Science a resounding success! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at: antwerp@pintofscience.be


Article written by Dr. Bronwen Martin.