The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is gearing up to host two community-oriented learning events for adults to engage with the local scientific community at bars and restaurants in their own neighborhoods. Both events are free to the public.

The first event is Suds & Science, which features a short, informal talk by a prominent local scientist followed by a discussion with the speaker and attendees afterward. Suds & Science will be hosted on Monday, September 15, at Waypoint Public in North Park.

The second event is Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar on Thursday, September 25. For Two Scientists, the Fleet sends pairs of scientists out to 50 different bars and restaurants throughout the county with a sign that says “We are scientists. Ask us anything!” The questions are as diverse as the scientists themselves and have ranged in the past from string theory to meteorites.

"We want to engage people with science where they live, work and play,” said Dr. Steve Snyder, Executive Director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. “Events such as Suds & Science and Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar are fun, and they give us an opportunity to interact with the community in a way they might not normally expect from the Fleet.”

The media is invited to cover both events. More information regarding each event is below. The Fleet is happy to arrange media passes or interview times as needed.

Information about each event

SEPTEMBER 15—Suds & Science—Origins of Autism. At Suds & Science, enjoy a pint while you listen to a brief presentation by a scientific expert, then discuss the topic with the speaker and your fellow attendees. Join Dr. Karen Pierce, assistant director of the Autism Center of Excellence at UC San Diego, as she shares new evidence confirming that autism begins during pregnancy. The center’s latest groundbreaking research utilized nearly 1,000 scans of infants and toddlers with autism—thanks to a new local program called One Year Well Baby Check Up, which collects these images. This event is free, but registration is helpful to ensure all attendees can be accommodated. RSVP through the Suds & Science event page at www.rhfleet.org. Location: Waypoint Public, 3794 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104. 6:30–8PM.

http://www.rhfleet.org/events/suds-science

SEPTEMBER 25—Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar. What sounds like the beginning of a bad joke is actually a fun community program designed to connect the public with San Diego’s large population of scientists. The idea is simple: two scientists are stationed inside a bar and everyone is invited to ask them questions in an informal, relaxed setting. The scientists are easy to spot as they are near a sign that reads: "We are scientists. Ask us anything!" It’s a great way to learn about what local scientists are up to (Did you know that San Diego scientists were part of the recent discovery about the big bang?), to get a bet settled (Who would win in a fight? A bear or a shark?) or to get the answer to a question you have been meaning to ask someone (What’s the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates? And why does it make a difference in my diet?). 5–9:30 PM.

Multiple locations throughout San Diego County. Specific locations listed here: http://www.rhfleet.org/events/two-scientists-walk-bar

For more information about these events or to schedule interviews and media appointments, please contact Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.