Science on tap in Southampton

Scientists from the Optoelectronics Research Centre are preparing to head out into local Southampton pubs to present their latest discoveries as part of the Pint of Science Festival.

Launched in 2012, the festival takes place annually over three days simultaneously in pubs across the world. This year's festival takes place from 18th-20th May 2015 and brings some of the most brilliant scientists to venues across the UK to discuss their research and findings with members of the public in one of the most accessible formats – in the pub!

Among the events on offer, Southampton will be serving up two opportunities to find out about photonics research in 'Photonics: the future of data' on Tuesday19 May 2015.

Professor Peter Smith and Dr Francesca Parmigiani will explore the many powerful applications of light in the Big Data era. From the unique features of nonlinear processes and their uses in secure communications and quantum computing ('Nonlinear Light: from Missile Defence to Quantum Computers') to the potential for all-optical signal processing to provide an environmentally-friendly solution to the impending internet capacity crunch ('Mum, Why’s the Internet So Slow?!').

The evening also features a special presentation by our Lightwave road-show.