India is joining the global Pint of Science festival for the first time, bringing science discussions out of the lab and into pubs and cafes in Bengaluru, Pune, and New Delhi from May 19 to 21.

The festival offers young Indian scientists an opportunity to connect directly with the public, enhancing both visibility and understanding of their work in a convivial, relaxed setting. The annual outreach event, founded in the UK in 2013, now spans over 500 cities across 27 countries.

Despite India’s notable scientific achievements, public engagement with research remains limited. Investment in R&D has stagnated at 0.65% of GDP, well behind countries like South Korea, the US and China. Cultural and political barriers have also contributed to a lack of science communication, particularly in fundamental research.

Pint of Science seeks to change that by encouraging researchers to explain their work through storytelling, visuals, and humour — shifting the tone from dry academic lecture to casual conversation.

In Pune, a similar initiative called “Science on Tap” has already shown the value of such outreach. Hosted at a local microbrewery since 2016, it has consistently drawn diverse audiences and created meaningful dialogue between scientists and the public.

This year’s Pint of Science India will feature a range of topics, from astrophysics and microbiology to sustainability and neuroscience, and early-career scientists will take centre stage to share their discoveries. Events will be held at multiple venues in each city, with tickets redeemable for food and drinks.