Dr Ben Vincent, Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Dundee. I moved to Dundee in 2007 to take up a lectureship position and to build up my lab in the School of Psychology. At that time I co-set up Cafe Science with Sheryl. I think it is incredibly important that the scientific community engage with the public. We must make science accessible, and convey its fun and creative nature without resorting to sensationalism.

Dr Jonathan Urch, Public Outreach Coordinator, University of Dundee. I lead the Revealing Research office at the University of Dundee. We encourage local researchers to chat about their research to as many local people as possible. Café Science is one of the best ways to do this. Until the Summer of 2008 I used to be a research scientist working at the University of Dundee, trying to find cures for diseases spread by germs.

Linda Wallace, Science Learning Manager, Dundee Science Centre. After completing my Pharmacology BSc (Hons) Degree from University of Dundee, I spent three years in a laboratory researching the causes of obesity and diabetes, and the communication between neurons in the brain. In April 2008, I joined Sensation Science Centre as an Education Officer on the Public Engagement and Community Learning Programme. I am now Science Learning Manager at the centre, and I continue to enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for science through science engagement and learning with school pupils, families and community groups.

Dr Ken Scott-Brown, Lecturer, Centre for Psychology, University of Abertay Dundee. After my training in Vision Science at St Andrews University, I worked in Glasgow Caledonian University and Nottingham University as a full time researcher before taking up my lecturing role at Abertay. The ability for everyone to question and to doubt scientific theories is crucial to the preservation of the freedom of science. Where better for everyone to participate in the discourse than in the informal atmosphere of café science and café science extra?

Dr Rebecca Wade, Lecturer in Environmental Science, University of Abertay Dundee. My background is in physical geography, the study of landscape forms and processes, and how people interact with them. After completing a PhD at the University of Dundee I worked in the USA at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since 2002, I have been based in the Urban Water Technology Centre in the School of Contemporary Sciences at the University of Abertay. I am an avid supporter of café science and café science extra because these are events and initiatives which foster greater understanding of science and greater links between universities and communities.

Susan Cox, Project Manager, Scottish Enterprise

Karen Phelan, Communities Officer, Science Learning Team, Dundee Science Centre

Dr Helen-Louise Murphy, Public Engagement Assistant, University of Dundee.

CAFE SCIENCE ALUMNI…

Sheryl Mitchell MA, Project Manager-Industries. Both myself and Ben had the idea for a Café Scientifique in Dundee separately, it was only when we met that Café Science Dundee was born. We also realised the importance of involving other parties and forming a team so that we could widen our network and find the best speakers with the most relevant topics. I am passionate about public engagement with science and as a non-scientist I bring a different perspective to the rest of the Café Science team.

David Bremner, University of Abertay