International Festival Brings Science to the Public with Engaging Talks by UH Faculty and Alumni in an Informal, Community Setting
Pint of Science, the international science festival that brings cutting-edge research into bars and cafés, is returning to Houston for three nights of captivating talks led by faculty and alumni from the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Scheduled for May 19–21 at True Anomaly Brewing Co., the event is part of the global nonprofit’s annual celebration held in more than 500 cities across 27 countries. Pint of Science USA is experiencing record growth in 2025, expanding to 16 cities nationwide—its largest presence to date.
The Houston program exclusively features speakers from UH NSM and its alumni network. Each evening highlights two short, engaging presentations across a range of scientific topics, from quantum mechanics to air quality solutions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with talks from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $2.00 per night and can be purchased online on the Pint of Science webpage.
UH physicist Claudia Ratti, an internationally recognized researcher in high-energy nuclear theory, serves as the Co-Director and South Coordinator for Pint of Science USA, together with Johannes Jahan, postdoctoral researcher in her group. Both are helping to bring the festival to audiences across the country, joined in their effort by four more researchers to form the National Team. Among them, John Nguyen, a graduate student in evolutionary biology at UH, oversees communication and social media management. The local Houston team is entirely made up of UH Physics students and postdocs, with Gregoire Pihan, postdoctoral researcher in High-Energy Nuclear Theory, leading the effort.
May 19: “How to Cook the Early Universe and Not Fry Your Spacecraft”
Opening night dives into particle physics and space exploration. Jamie Karthein, a research scientist at Texas A&M University and Fall 2021 recipient of the Dan E. Wells Outstanding Dissertation Award, will explain how scientists recreate the first microseconds of the universe using particle accelerators. Nathan S. Roberts, a NASA engineer and UH alumnus, will discuss how lightning protection technology is being developed to shield the Artemis spacecraft on its mission to return humans to the Moon.
May 20: “Machines Thinking, Particles Synching: The Future Called—It Wants Its Tech Back!”
The second night attendees will journey into the world of artificial intelligence and quantum physics. UH mathematics professor Krešimir Josić will explore the evolution of neural networks from 1940s theory to today’s AI tools like ChatGPT. Cullen Distinguished Chemistry Eric Bittner will explain how quantum particles synchronize through randomness, a phenomenon that could lead to innovations in quantum computing and secure communication.
May 21: “Air We Go: Houston, We Have a Solution!”
The final evening focuses on environmental research aimed at improving global and local air quality. UH chemistry professor Ognjen Miljanić will explain how advanced porous materials—akin to microscopic sponges— can capture harmful greenhouse gases. UH Postdoctoral researcher Travis Griggs will delve into the science behind ozone pollution in Houston and how research can support cleaner air and smarter environmental policy.
Founded in 2012 by two researchers at Imperial College London, Pint of Science began as an initiative to connect the public with scientists in informal settings. What started in three cities has since grown into a worldwide movement promoting dialogue, discovery, and accessibility in science.
The 2025 Houston event offers a blend of breakthrough ideas, local relevance, and relaxed conversation—no lab coats required.
Event Details
Location: True Anomaly Brewing Co.
Dates: May 19–21
Time: Doors at 6:30 p.m., Discussions from 7–9 p.m.
Tickets: $2.00 per night (purchase online)
To view the full program and speaker lineup, visit: www.pintofscience.us/events/houston
- Kristoffer Smith, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics