Reading Cafe Scientifique: AI in healthcare – from hype to hope (Tues 3rd Mar 2026)

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

This month we are proud to be part of Reading Science Week.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm AI in healthcare – from hype to hope (Professor Antoni Chan – University of Reading/RBH)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

AI in healthcare – from hype to hope (Professor Antoni Chan – University of Reading/RBH)

How is artificial intelligence changing healthcare? Join Professor Antoni Chan in exploring how AI is helping doctors diagnose earlier, personalise treatments and improve patient care. Artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting developments in modern science and medicine. Explore how AI is being used safely in medicine today, the safeguards in place and how technology supports rather than replaces clinicians. 

Using real-world examples from imaging, chronic disease management, and medical research, the talk will explain the science behind AI and what this could mean for patients and families in the future.

Professor Antoni Chan is Professor of Rheumatology and Translational Medicine at the University of Reading. He is also Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Lead in Rheumatology at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique: AI Griefbots and Memorybots (Tues 3rd Feb 2026)

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm AI Griefbots and Memorybots (Professor Dan Remenyi)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

AI Griefbots and Memorybots (Professor Dan Remenyi)

Join Professor Dan Remenyi for a compelling exploration into the revolutionary emergence of Griefbots and Memorybots. These specialized AI tools utilize personal datasets of words and memories to create comforting simulations for the bereaved and provide vital support for individuals living with cognitive impairment and dementia. As this technology begins to shape how we approach the end of life, this session will address the significant ethical, emotional, and technical challenges involved in digitizing human legacy and commemoration. Discover how we can responsibly navigate this new frontier of AI-driven memory preservation.

Prof Dan Remenyi specialises in research methodology. He was for more than a decade a Visiting Professor in Information Systems Management at the School of Systems and Data Studies at Trinity College, University of Dublin. He teaches Research Methodology and Sociology of Research. He has authored or co-authored more than 30 books and some 50 academically refereed papers. He is published in all 4 of the ‘A’ rated Journals in the United Kingdom in Information Systems Management. Some of his books have been translated into Chinese, Japanese and Romanian. He holds a B Soc Sc, an MBA and a PhD.

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading STEAM Meetup Groups New Year Social – Tuesday 13th January 2026

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM New Year Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.

Please find the meetup links for the event via:  Science in Reading Meetup Page 

Theme: Reading STEAM New Year Social

Time: 7pm until late

Venue: Upstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)

During the evening each group represented will get a short slot to let you know more about them and what they do.

Familiar faces from the following groups:

  • BCS Berkshire
  • Dreading Slam Poetry Group
  • Future Skills: Reading
  • IET Berkshire
  • Internations
  • Missing Maps
  • Play The Guitar Project
  • Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
  • Reading Astronomical Society
  • Reading Geek Night
  • Reading Hydro
  • Reading Museum
  • Reading Repair Cafe
  • Reading Social Tech
  • rlab
  • Science in Reading
  • Thames Valley AI Hub
  • The Hangout (formally Geeks & Gamers)
  • University of Reading
  • …and others 

(The above list is evolving)

All STEAM meetup groups in the area are very welcome.

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique: Unearthing the Future – Modelling of Failures (Tues 4th Nov 2025)

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm Unearthing the Future – Modelling of Failures (Chris Riches)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

Unearthing the Future – Modelling of Failures (Chris Riches)

This talk is a journey through a challenging piece of work Chris had to undertake during his 39 year career within the energy industry. He will uncover why the failure rate of underground energy storage facilities in Italy was increasing. Failure modelling helped solve a $500M problem, saving customer disruption and environmental risk, yet Chris never even saw one of the facilities.

Chris Riches – Reliability Specialist. Otherwise known as a reverse archaeologist – digging up data to go forwards rather than backwards in time.

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique – Lichens, drones & dinosaur bones (Tues 7th Oct 2025)

rdggeeknightLeave a comment

Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm Lichens, drones & dinosaur bones: dinosaur discovery in Canada (Dr Brian Pickles – University of Reading)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

Lichens, drones & dinosaur bones: dinosaur discovery in Canada (Dr Brian Pickles – University of Reading)

For over 120 years dinosaur skeletons have been collected from Alberta, Canada, in the area now known as Dinosaur Provincial Park. Over 50 dinosaur species have been described from the Park, along with all sorts of other extinct animals, and there are so many bones you are often tripping over them. This makes it one of the best places in the world to learn about dinosaur ecology. Brian’s novel research is using modern organisms (lichens) and technology (drones) to find fossils (dinosaur bones). He is also studying biodiversity using bonebeds and tracksites, and examining exquisitely preserved specimens like “mummified” hadrosaurs! The talk will cover some of the exciting research that he and his students are working on, using both modern technological approaches and good old fashioned digging around in the dirt.

Brian is an Associate Professor of Ecology at the University of Reading where he mainly teaches students about reptiles, plant-fungal symbioses, and palaeobiology. He grew up in Scotland and Malaysia and has worked extensively on reptiles in the tropics and forest ecology in Canada. Brian’s interdisciplinary research spans natural history topics centred around biodiversity and species interactions. He was always interested in dinosaurs but never expected to be studying them for a living.

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If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique – Too many elephants? (Tues 16th Sept 2025)

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm Too many elephants? (Dr Vicky Boult – University of Reading)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

Too many elephants? (Dr Vicky Boult – University of Reading)

Too many elephants? Surely not. We hear all the time of the terrible plight of elephants: poached for their ivory tusks, hunted for their trophies, plagued by drought… So why are some countries proposing to cull elephants? In this talk, Dr Vicky Boult will present the complex realities of managing elephant populations across Africa. From conservation efforts to restore lost elephant populations to the frontline of human-elephant conflict, and even elephant vasectomies! Join Vicky for a deep-dive into all things elephant, and a reality check on real-world conservation.

Vicky is a Lecturer in Conservation Biology at the University of Reading. She has studied African elephants since 2013, working in a range of contexts from Kenya to South Africa. Her research interests lie in the conservation impacts of extreme weather, with a primary focus on the impacts of drought on elephants. Vicky spent five years working in the development of early warning systems for the African humanitarian and agricultural sectors, and she brings concepts from this work to her conservation research. 

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading STEAM Meetup Groups Summer Social – Tuesday 12th August 2025

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Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM Summer Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.

Please find the meetup links for the event via:  Science in Reading Meetup Page 

Theme: Reading STEAM Summer Social

Time: 7pm until late

Venue: Downstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)

During the evening each group represented will get a short slot to let you know more about them and what they do.

Familiar faces from the following groups:

  • BCS Berkshire
  • Dreading Slam Poetry Group
  • IET Berkshire
  • Internations
  • Missing Maps
  • Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
  • Reading Astronomical Society
  • Reading Geek Night
  • Reading Hydro
  • Reading Repair Cafe
  • Reading Social Tech
  • rlab
  • Science in Reading
  • Thames Valley AI Hub
  • Things Network Reading
  • University of Reading
  • …and others 

(The above list is evolving)

All STEAM meetup groups in the area are very welcome.

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique – Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space (Tues 1st July 2025)

rdggeeknightLeave a comment

Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2026 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found here.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space (Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

Microwaves – Friend or Foe? From your kitchen to outer space (Samudra Dasgupta – University of Bristol)

Microwaves have become a household word over the past few decades, used synonymously with the ubiquitous gadgets adorning our kitchens. However, we often tend to overlook the complete identity of these microwaves – as a spectrum of electromagnetic energy (typically in the GHz range) sandwiched between its equally significant spectral neighbours, viz., Radio Frequencies (RF) and Infra-Red (IR). Together, they represent a powerful force which keeps the modern world running – with uses and abuses ranging from the humble kitchenette to the endless outer space. Whilst they power our medical devices on one hand, they also trigger a plethora of health concerns in the bargain; they scaffold a digital economy as much as they enable cyber frauds; they propel our smart homes and factories no less than they drive the military technologies of mass destruction; they offer us hopes for space based solar power but makes us more wary of a future space warfare; so on and so forth. In summary – love them or hate them, but one can hardly ignore microwaves in today’s world order. 

In this context, the above talk has been conceived in honour of these microwaves – to discuss their diverse avatars and the associated risks vs. benefits. With a little bit of physics sprinkled on top for some flavour and garnish, the talk has been consciously curated for a scientifically curious audience with no prior knowledge of electromagnetics. So, please feel free to pop-in for an evening of light scientific discourse along with some food for your thoughts (and may be a pint for your thirst).

Samudra is the Deputy Programme Director for Aerospace UG Programme and a Lecturer the in the University of Bristol, where he teaches various aspects of aircraft design and sustainable aviation technologies. Before switching over to academia, he had over 20 years of applied R&D experience in the aerospace industry and his research interests are in composite structures for different electromagnetic applications, including EMI shielding, radome, lightning protection, thermal management etc. He has multiple international patents and several publications and other awards to his credit. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS). For more details, please visit/connect at https://in.linkedin.com/in/samudradg

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique – How to talk to bacteria (Tues 3rd June 2025)

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Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2025 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found here.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm How to talk to bacteria (Dr Aidan J. Taylor – School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

How to talk to bacteria (Dr Aidan J. Taylor – School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading)

Aidan is a microbiologist who researches how disease-causing bacteria survive and thrive in their environments. In this talk, Aidan will explain how we can “talk” with bacteria to understand how they respond to changes in their environment, and how we can use this information to fight disease

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Reading Cafe Scientifique – The Science Behind the Magic: Can Psilocybin Treat Chronic Pain? (Tues 29th April 2025)

rdggeeknightLeave a comment

Links to the local STEAM Groups + Social Media Link Tree

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We are looking for speakers for 2025 & beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading) Speaking slot availability can be found here.

A friendly Science focused group entertaining the local community with the fascinating world of science – events from hands on workshops to engaging talks. Everyone welcome!

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please find the Meetup link here.

7:00pm Arrivals
7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
7:35pm The Science Behind the Magic: Can Psilocybin Treat Chronic Pain? (Tate Askey & Daniil Luzyanin – University of Reading)
8:20pm Comfort Break
8:30pm Q&A
9:00pm Networking
9:30pm End

More Information

The Science Behind the Magic: Can Psilocybin Treat Chronic Pain? (Tate Askey & Daniil Luzyanin – University of Reading)

Tate Askey is a pharmacology researcher and postdoctoral scientist at the University of Reading, where she is about to complete her PhD investigating how the psychedelic compound psilocybin affects chronic pain, with a focus on preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Her work combines behavioural neuroscience with molecular techniques to explore the role of serotonin in chronic pain.

Daniil Luzyanin has always been passionate about psychedelic research. He finished his MSci in Neuroscience in the University of Manchester, worked as RA in the Psychology department at the University of Birmingham, but only in Reading did he manage to enter the field of psychedelic research. There, as a PhD student, he has been investigating the electrophysiological effects of psilocybin in chronic pain models. 

The Science Behind the Magic: Can Psilocybin Treat Chronic Pain?

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has gained serious attention in recent years as a potential treatment for mental health conditions. But could it also help with chronic pain? In this talk, we’ll explore the science behind psychedelics, starting with what psilocybin is, how it alters perception, and what’s actually happening in the brain during a psychedelic experience. We’ll take a look at the history of psilocybin research, from promising studies in the 1960s to the current wave of clinical trials, before focusing on its emerging role in pain research.

You’ll hear about our latest findings in chronic pain, and how preclinical research in animal models is helping us understand its potential mechanisms of action. We’ll walk through behavioural experiments in mice, share new data from our own lab, and discuss how psilocybin might promote brain plasticity to reduce pain. Finally, we’ll zoom out to look at the real-world challenges of developing psychedelic medicines, from regulatory hurdles to the question: do we need the hallucinations for the treatment to work?

If you would like to get involved and support your local Science community please get in touch – email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

We meet 1st Tuesday of the month. Format is gathering from 7.00pm with talks commencing at 7.30pm. Talks timings are completely flexible but generally 40-60mins + Q&A with a ~20mins break to encourage social networking.

Contact’s: email: scienceinreading [at] gmail.com or twitter: Science in Reading (@Science_Reading)