Hume Centre has started a new initiative in Wayanad to promote science among the general public: Café Scientific. The key concept is to bring science back into culture.

Science is often seen as boring, difficult and mathematical, but the aim of the Cafe Scientific is to make science relevant, powerful and important, addressing topics such as the Universe, Climate change, Evolution, Genetics, Human-animal relations so on.

Café Scientific is a grassroots public science initiative, based on the French Café Philosophic model. Originating in England, the concept quickly gained popularity and was taken to other countries. Similar but independent events have also sprung up in many cities using variations of the “Café Scientific” or “Science Café” monikers. Typically, one monthly evening meeting is organised in a café or any convenient place to which one or several scientists are invited to talk in laymen’s terms about their work in a topical or even controversial area. The events are known for their informal and friendly atmosphere, and are believed to improve the understanding of science.