Science Cafes are open discussions with scientists about how science affects our lives. Unlike lectures or seminars, the audience participates and drives the program. Questions, comments and conversation about science with the speaker and each other are encouraged.

Using an informal coffeehouse setting, topics are presented by Purdue University scientists. The short 10-to-15-minute introductions are non-technical. And if they do become technical, the audience is usually quick to ask for clarifications. You don't have to have a science background to participate and enjoy a Science Café.

The hope is that people interested in science will use Science Cafes as an opportunity to learn from, question and even challenge some of the top minds in their scientific fields. With media coverage of science diminishing all the time, Science Cafes are in-depth and cater to the information the audiences want to know.

The program is modeled on programs that take place all over the country and world. Coffee shops are the norm, but others are held in pubs, meeting halls or wherever people can comfortably get together to talk science. 

The discussions last about 90 minutes and are generally held the second Tuesday of the month at K. Dees Coffee & Roasting Co. in downtown Lafayette.

Science Cafes are audience-driven. We want to know what you want to learn about, and we tailor the events to please our participants. Feel free to suggest topics, ideas for improving the program or anything else you might think is constructive. We love feedback.