Cancer researchers are stepping out of the labs and into Sutton pubs and cafés this month as part of an international festival designed to make science more accessible to the public.
The Pint of Science festival, which began in the capital, invites scientists to share their work in informal settings such as pubs and cafés, encouraging direct conversation with the public.
Alejandro Allo Anido, a scientist helping to organise this year’s Sutton events, said the aim is to strip away the formality around science.
The 29-year-old told Your Local Guardian: “It’s this global festival which aims to bring science to the pub and engage the public in the scientific conversation.
“The idea is to bring scientists from different institutions to the pub, let them talk about their science to the general public, and promote a chat and questions between the public and scientists.
“This is a festival that started really here in London, and now it’s a global thing in more than 25 countries.”
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is hosting Sutton events this year following a successful debut last year, which organisers said sold out.
The first event, Seeing Cancer from Proteins to People, will take place next Tuesday (May 19) at Oru Sutton.
It will explore how cancer is studied at a cellular level by looking at proteins, alongside how artificial intelligence is being used to improve MRI imaging.
The second, Treating Prostate Cancer: Behind the Scenes of a Clinical Trial, will be held the following day (May 20) at The Shinner & Sudtone in High Street.
Alejandro said the events are designed to bring cutting-edge research into everyday spaces and spark wider public engagement with science.
He added: “One of the points is to engage the public in the science conversation.
“Especially in this world with misinformation and disinformation, but also to inspire a new generation of scientists.
“We are taking scientists who work here at the ICR and bringing them into the community to tell them what’s going on their doorstep.
“The ICR is a world-leading institution, but people maybe don’t know what it is or what is happening here.”
The Institute of Cancer Research is based at the London Cancer Hub in Sutton, a major centre bringing together researchers, clinicians and healthcare partners, including The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Researchers at the institute focus on identifying cancer-related genes and developing targeted treatments, with numerous drug candidates progressing into clinical trials in recent years.
Alejandro added: “I think that’s one of the points of Pint of Science, to make science less scary and less serious and bring it to an environment where everyone will be comfortable.
“Everybody likes to go to a pub or café, have a drink or a coffee, and you can learn about what’s going on in science while asking questions directly to scientists.”
Dr Mariana Campos, public engagement manager at The ICR, said the festival helps bring researchers and the public closer together.
She added: “Pint of Science is a fantastic opportunity to break down barriers between researchers and the communities around us.
“The world-leading cancer research happening at the ICR is taking place right on people’s doorstep, and these events give the public a chance to meet the scientists behind the discoveries in a relaxed and accessible setting.
“We’re excited to bring science out of the lab and into local community spaces, helping make research feel more open, human and connected to everyday life.”
Tickets cost £5 per event, described by organisers as a donation to support the non-profit festival.
They are available via the Pint of Science website, where a full map of events can be found.
Alejandro said the evenings are as much about inspiration as communication, saying: “I’m interested in public engagement and getting people more interested in science.
“Hopefully, there will be some younger people in the audience who get excited and want to get into science.”
