A Decade of Thinking and Drinking

What do you get when two scientists walk into a bar? Well, most people get the opportunity to have their burning science questions answered by their friendly neighborhood scientists, and everyone gets to drink some great beer.

We often only think of science as the mad experiments of people in white coats, with bubbling beakers and crazy mutant creations. But science is all around us – it makes our cars run, cooks our dinner, and lets us communicate with people worldwide. Science helps us understand the weather, gives us treatments for illnesses, and can tell us why our pets do weird things. When you experience so much science in your life, it's almost impossible not to be curious about why things are the way they are. But have you ever been in a situation where you've had a crazy science question and no scientist around to answer it?

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The Fleet Science Center recognizes that almost everyone is curious about science, but providing a museum exhibition or a scientific talk might not be the best way to reach everyone in the community. The Fleet wanted to develop a science outreach program for adults that was fun and informal but informative and would appeal to a different target audience. Combining two of San Diego's specialties, beer and science, the Fleet's "Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar®" program was born!

The Two Scientists program aims to connect the county's STEM professionals with their community in a relaxed atmosphere. Once every quarter, on one specific night, the Fleet Science Center organizes a Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar® event in local bars across San Diego with two scientists at each location. This program aims to make science accessible by putting names and faces to the idea of "scientists" and showing people that you don't have to work in STEM to benefit from or learn about the science in our daily lives

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Since the first Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar® event a decade ago, there have been 40 events, some even in other cities in the US, and thousands of scientific discussions between the public and their local scientists. We're thrilled that it has become a well-recognized event in the community. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar®, The Fleet Science Center has partnered with the Barley & Sword Brewing Company in North Park to create a special celebration beer for this occasion.

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Whether you've never had the opportunity to engage in this program or are a seasoned attendee who can't get enough, we hope you join us at our 10th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, September 13th, at the Barley & Sword Brewing Company at 6 p.m. Enjoy a keg tapping ceremony, a raffle to win great prizes, and plenty of scientists to answer all your questions.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone there! Cheers

Both authors are part of the Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar line up of experts.