Call for Speakers: Pint of Science Festival
The Queen Mary Pint of Science Team are excited to open our Call for Speakers for Pint of Science 2026, and would love to hear from you!
Pint of Science is an annual international festival that brings researchers into local pubs to share their science with the public in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s all about making research accessible, breaking down barriers, and helping people discover just how fascinating science can be.
This is an amazing opportunity for postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and senior staff equally who are excited about their work. You don’t need years of experience or a polished stage presence, just enthusiasm to give a TED talk style presentation about your research. If you’ve ever wanted to practise public engagement, boost your confidence, or simply talk about your research to an interested audience, this is the perfect platform.
What can you talk about?
Pint of Science events are organised into different themes. You’re welcome to submit a talk for any theme that fits your work:
- Beautiful Mind – psychology, neuroscience, mental health, behaviour
- Atoms to Galaxies – physics, chemistry, astronomy, materials science
- Our Body – biomedical sciences, disease, physiology, health
- Planet Earth – ecology, climate, environment, biodiversity
- Tech Me Out – computer science, AI/ML, engineering, robotics, data science
- Our Society – social sciences, policy, economics, culture
- Creative Reactions – art–science collaborations, creative storytelling about research
If your research doesn’t fit neatly into a theme, that’s totally fine - science is messy and multidisciplinary. We can help you find the best fit.
What we need from you
- A talk title
- A short, plain-language summary (150–250 words)
- A brief speaker bio
- Any links you want to include (website, social media)
Event dates: 18th, 19th and 20th May 2026 - you would commit to one evening
Deadline for speaker submissions: Friday 6 February 2026
Why speak at Pint of Science?
- Practice explaining your work to a non-specialist audience
- Build confidence in public speaking
- Meet other researchers and science-curious locals
- Have fun sharing what you’re passionate about - in a pub!
We’d especially love to hear from PhD students, and early-career researchers who haven’t had many opportunities to present outside academic settings. This is a welcoming, supportive space to try something new.
If you're curious, excited, or even a little nervous - that’s exactly what we’re looking for. We hope you’ll submit a talk!