Café Scientifique

The Rivoli, 334 Queen St. West, Toronto 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Graduate Student Pub, York University 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Please note that no Science Rendezvous events will be taking place at the Science Centre itself.

What is a Café Scientifique?

Café Scientifique is a place where, for the cost of a cup of coffee or a pint of beer, anyone can participate in a conversation about current science and technology. Every Café has a facilitator and a small group of experts who help to engage participants in a conversation about the selected topic. The Café usually begins with short presentations by the experts about their own work and general knowledge of the topic, and the expertise they bring to the conversation. These presentations are no longer than 10 minutes each, and the event lasts for a total of about 2 hours. For more information, check out www.cafescientifique.ca

(Ages 19+)

Café Topics and Locations for Science Rendezvous 2008

"Science Fact or Science Fiction?: What happens when science hits the headlines?"

Beginning at an earlier time than usual, this café covers science in the media, giving experts in various fields the opportunity to discuss the challenges and concerns of conveying science news to the general public.

Do we get the whole picture of recent science breakthroughs?
What are the challenges in conveying science to non-scientists?
How can the average person wade through the convoluted jargon and contradictory information of the daily headlines?

Experts:

Jeremy Nelson, Science Writer, Ontario Science Centre
Alex Bielak, PhD, Director of Science and Technology Liaison, Environment Canada
Shelly Ungar, PhD, Department of Sociology, University of Toronto - Scarborough Campus

Join experts and other inquiring minds for drinks, discussion and debate.

"The Race to Mars: Should we go?"

This Café Scientifique will be a meeting of experts from diverse fields to exchange their opinions on missions to Mars. With backgrounds ranging from aerospace engineering, human physiology, robotics to bioethics, the experts will engage participants in a discussion within the relaxed atmosphere of this University pub.

What are the risks involved in going to Mars?
Should we just continue to send robots?
Do we know enough to be able to safely send humans to the surface of Mars?
Is it ethical to ask astronauts to commit to such a risky venture?

Find out more about the challenge of going to Mars, share your ideas and get in on the discussion!

Experts: Eric Choi, Aerospace Engineer; Richard Dyde, PhD, Centre for Vision Research, York University; Melissa Battler, Planetary Science Research Group, University of Western Ontario; and Jim Freemantle, Project Manager for Phoenix MET Space Sensor, York University.