Six academics walk into a bar…

Navigating a midlife crisis, making choices in an informal economy, and exploring what our shopping habits say about us were among expert presentations as Bayes Business School hosted three evenings of public-facing research discussion for the 2026 Pint of Science Festival.

First held in 2013 as a way of “bringing science to the people”, the annual worldwide event has expanded to more than 40 pubs, cafes and public venues across the UK alone with universities and research institutions entertaining non-experts on thought-provoking topics of the day.

Bayes academics took over a packed-out floor of The Artillery Arms on Bunhill Row, where there was standing room only to hear talks in areas of marketing, sustainability, entrepreneurship, AI and private equity delivered by professors and PhD candidates.

Monday 18 May – Why is life so tough?

Dr Thomas Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Marketing: Male Midlife Crisis – Inside and Out!

Dr Simon Parker, Senior Lecturer in Business and Society: Does Your Organisation Have Parasites?

Tuesday 19 May - Rules, predictions and playing the system

Sarjeena Maodud, PhD Candidate in Management: How Informal Entrepreneurs Navigate the Road to the Formal Economy

Dr Simone Santoni, Senior Lecturer in Strategy: No Surprises Left? How AI Is Reshaping What Scientists Predict — and Get Right

Wednesday 20 May - What’s it worth, and how do we decide?

Yuri Lee, PhD Researcher in Marketing:Three Cheap Pastas or One Fancy One? What Your Shopping Choices Say About You

Mikaela Mirekian, PhD Researcher in Management: Too Fast for the Future? Sustainability on the Private Equity Deal Clock

This year’s event was co-organised by Dr Sabrina Gottschalk, Lecturer in Marketing, and Enrico Martin, PhD in Marketing student.

Dr Gottschalk said the three evenings generated an impressive level of discussion, especially from doctorate presenters.

“The Pint of Science event is really fun to be a part of, and this year was no exception.

“Now more than ever it is important to engage research with public audiences as part of global community of scientists. Presenting topics which resonate closely with people such as human behaviour, work life, and the growing impact of AI in a pub with pint in hand is one of the most enjoyable ways to do this!"

Enrico added:

“Pint of Science is an informal yet important opportunity for researchers to share their work, and address topics that are both quirky and have deeper meaning with the general public.

“It was particularly pleasing this year to hear from fellow PhD. Breaking down complex research theory into language everybody can understand and debate is a very important skill in academia, and each speaker sparked lively participation!”

Find out more about Pint of Science.

Read about Doctoral postgraduate courses at Bayes.