Ed. Note: Daniel is here to tell us all about this week's Taste of Science, a series of events that pair socializing with science, plus food, drinks, and fun. Did I mention it's happening this week? Get your tickets and see the full schedule here. 

Feed your curiosity this week with TASTE OF SCIENCE Memphis!

Indulge yourself in the fascinating world of science while having a pint at Growlers, a tiny bomb at Wiseacre, maybe some aged whiskey at Belle Tavern, or perhaps an invigorating latte at Cafe Eclectic.

The annual festival is back for its second edition with more science, more scientists, and more drinking opportunities. Did you miss it last year? Let me explain... Taste Of Science is an annual national festival dedicated to celebrating, well, science. During the week, scientists post up in local bars and coffee shops every night to talk to people (anyone, but especially non-scientists) about their particular areas of research.

Last year was Memphis' debut and we had a whole story about it. (check it out here). The festival has now grown to include more than 15 cities nationwide, involving over a hundred scientists eager to share their work in a relaxed atmosphere.

Here's a rundown of the schedule:

Monday + Tuesday

Taste Of Science Memphis kicks off on Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. with three simultaneous, scientifically tasty events on intelligence, immunotherapy, and body relaxation. The events continue on Tuesday night with topics ranging from beer and whiskey to pollution and river conservation.

Wednesday

Would you like to know what it is like to be a scientist?

Are you interested in learning about the stories and career paths of local researchers?

Do you know of an aspiring scientist who would like to hear tips and tricks on navigating college and grad school as a science student?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Wednesday night is the night you don't want to miss.

Speed Mentoring with a Scientist is the theme of Wednesday night's event. Tailored to high school students and undergrads (though open to everyone), the night is set up in a "speed dating" format.

Guests can speak with local graduate students one-on-one to discuss college and graduate school, the career path and life of a researcher, exciting ongoing biomedical research here in Memphis, and more! Go check it out on Wednesday, April 25 at Cafe Eclectic Midtown, starting at 7 p.m.

Thursday

Another must-see event in this year's Taste of Science is the Comedy of Science at Belle Tavern. This one is actually back by popular demand - it was originally hosted as an independent, stand-alone event last fall. Laura Hamel, who is the city coordinator for Taste of Science Memphis, told me this is the event she is most excited about.

Expect a mixture of entrepreneurial scientists and comedians on Comedy of Science on Thursday, April 26th at Belle Tavern starting at 7 p.m. "The event is aimed to make us laugh, and make learning about science more fun," is how Laura puts it.

The whole idea of Comedy of Science is the creation of Mark Brimble, a grad student from University College London doing his research work at St. Jude, who also runs the monthly comedy showcase "Drafts and Laughs" at Memphis Made Brewing Co. with his comedy troupe, the Comma Comedians.

Friday 

The festival wraps up on Friday night with a social night at The Corner Bar, in the Peabody Hotel. Here you can mingle with all the City Taste engineers (aka volunteers), speakers, and other guests of the festival.

Check out the whole line-up of topics and speakers by date and venue here. Tickets to each night of the festival are $5 and you can buy them on their website or at the door; seating is limited, so I suggest you purchase them ahead of time.

Meet me (Daniel) at Cafe Eclectic Monday through Wednesday, where I will be your host. Similar to last year, expect games, gifts, and raffles throughout each night at all three locations.

Cheers!

About The Author

Daniel Bastardo is a Venezuelan scientist at St. Jude with a genuine love for Memphis. He is a runner and social media enthusiast who is passionate about all things local. Find him on all social media outlets as @dbastardo27.