Science Cafés

Science Cafés

Science Cafés are an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting. Science Café events rotate between Conor O'Neill's in Ann Arbor and Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. Each lecture runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Science Cafés are on hiatus for the summer and will return in September 2026.

Upcoming Events

Here Comes the Sun | Wednesday, September 23 | 6 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's | 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor

Get a head start on U-M's Climate Week by joining us for a solar-powered Science Café presented by Dr. Rohini Chandran from the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering and Shoshannah Lenski, Executive Director of Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU).

The Sun’s energy is the driving force behind some of our most important energy technologies. While solar panels (arrays that convert sunlight to electricity) have become common in both urban and rural areas, solar-to-heat and solar-to-fuel conversion is still an emerging technology. Dr. Chandran will share her latest research on understanding thermal radiation in solar–heat and solar–fuel applications using new experimental techniques and computational models.

Understanding how the Sun’s energy travels through radiative transport is vital to optimizing new technologies and developing long-term climate solutions. After those technologies have been perfected, the next challenge is implementation. In the case of Ann Arbor, that’s where A2SEU comes in. Shoshannah will provide the policy and implementation perspective on what it means to provide local, renewable and clean energy solutions.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6 p.m. Seating is limited, so come early.

Topic TBA | Thursday, October 22
Presenter TBA
Corner Brewery

Topic TBA | Wednesday, November 18
Presenter TBA
Conor O'Neill's

Topic TBA | Thursday, January 21
Presenter TBA
Corner Brewery

Topic TBA | Wednesday, March 24
Presenter TBA
Conor O'Neill's

Topic TBA | Thursday, April 22
Presenter TBA
Corner Brewery

Science Café Podcast

Take Science Café on the go! Recordings of select previous lectures are available as podcast episodes on all major audio streaming services.