Swindon Science Cafe - journeys in science and coffee.

Join us for an informal evening of discovery and discussion, with Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, author and founder of Colonna Coffee, on variety of the scientific research projects he has been involved in across the coffee industry.

Maxwell began collaborating with scientists and academia in 2014, teaming up with Christopher H. Hendon who was at the University of Bath at the time. Together, they published a paper on waters impact on coffee extraction and their book 'Water for Coffee'. This was followed with research on grinding at different temperatures, sensory studies and life cycle studies, among others.

Coffee is a field where scientific understanding can be applied very successfully, but it is also problematic as it is a subjective field. Scientifically we often study a phenomenon, and then the coffee industry takes this understanding and makes its mind up regarding what is good.

Join the discussion as we explore how coffee ends up being a rabbit hole for many scientifically minded people as each cup of coffee is a combination of many changing variables, making it a more challenging subject to comprehensively understand than it may appear!

Maxwell Dashwood's fascination with coffee began in Melbourne, Australia, in 2007. Returning to the UK, he co-managed a coffee events company and opened Colonna & Small's, a Bath-based coffee shop with a focus on curated, changing coffee menus.An acclaimed figure in the industry, Maxwell is a three-time winner of the UK Barista Championships and has co-authored academic papers on coffee. He's also the co-author of "Water For Coffee," a study on the impact of water on coffee taste, and "The Coffee Dictionary," an accessible guide to coffee terminology. His most recent book, "The Business of Specialty Coffee," combines his business experiences with an exploration of the coffee supply chain.

SWINDON SCIENCE CAFE

Science Cafes are an informal opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Rather than a long lecture, you can expect a lively, two-way conversation with a researcher - over a drink or two!

Everyone is welcome to come and express their views or just enjoy a drink and listen. No scientific knowledge is needed to take part - just bring your curiosity, and maybe your own bottle of choice.

WHEN: The first Tuesday of each month from 7pm - 9pm.

WHERE: Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) Creative Hub located in the iconic Carriage Works. 10 Carriage Works, Unit 7B, London Street, Swindon, SN1 5FBEnter the following three words into the What Three Words app to find the exact location:

Front entrance: ///friday.index.solo

Rear entrance: ///cups.shell.face

REFRESHMENTS: A selection of light refreshments will be available in return for a donation, or you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks with you. Please bring cash with you for donations to cover the costs of drinks on the night.

Swindon Science Cafe is organised by:

The Festival of Tomorrow

The Royal Agriculture University

Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology

The University of Bath Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST)

Please note that filming/photography will take place at this event for promotional purposes. The photographs made may appear on the organising committee websites, on social media or in press releases relating to the event.

If you would prefer not to be photographed please let the organisers know.