Pint of Science Munich: A Taste of Science

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Among the speakers was Hannah Lee, a PhD candidate in the Division of Physiological Chemistry at the Biomedical Centre of LMU Munich. She presented her research in a talk titled 'Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice'.

The annual global Pint of Science festival brings scientific research out of the laboratory and into public spaces, such as pubs, cafés, and community halls, offering the general public an opportunity to engage directly with researchers. Held each May in over 400 cities across 25 countries, the festival is primarily organised by postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, as well as volunteers, who are dedicated to science communication.

In her talk, Hannah Lee explored the effects of ultra-processed foods on physical and mental health, offering insight into the impact of everyday dietary habits on the body at a cellular level. Reflecting on the evening, Hannah Lee described the atmosphere as “very relaxed” – different from the traditional academic settings. “There was definitely motivation to really engage the audience, many of whom were there by chance.”

When asked why she chose to take part, Hannah Lee highlighted the value of rethinking her research through a new lens. “Presenting to a lay audience makes me view my work from a different perspective,” she said. “Although it is challenging, I really enjoy it. I also believe that science communication is part of our responsibility as researchers, but this aspect is sometimes overlooked.”

She admitted that she wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of audience composition. “I was a little concerned there would only be other scientists, but that wasn’t the case. It was great to see how many non-scientists wanted to come and listen to a science talk on a Tuesday night. Some people had just come in for a drink and found themselves at a science talk, which made it more challenging to keep them engaged.”

This wasn’t Hannah’s first experience of public engagement. She had previously presented her research project at the BMC Open Day, which led to an invitation to speak at a local Seniorenakademie earlier this year. These experiences have only deepened her interest in science outreach. “Would I do it again? Definitely. Figuring out how to present scientific research to a non-specialist audience was a fun challenge, and I really enjoyed interacting with different people and answering some excellent questions.”

Congratulations to Hannah Lee for representing us so well!