It's down to the pub we go . . . all in the name of research

Nov 04, 2003

Academics are heading for the pub! All for a good cause, of course, to help bring the University of Wollongong and the wider community even closer together.

The launch of the "University in the Brewery" series will be held on Wednesday 12 November where prominent researchers and private sector practitioners will explain their ideas and research in a relaxed and participatory environment over a few foaming ales.

The topic will be "The history, art and science of brewing beer" which will involve a demonstration of the brewing process and beer tastings. The evening's compere will be Professor David Griffiths who is Foundation Professor in Statistics at UOW and former Rhodes Scholar who has previously presented a talk on the history of beer at Oxford University.

The Research and Development Manager at UOW, Dr Troy Coyle, said the concept for "University in the Brewery" has grown out of "Science in the Pub" and also "Politics in the Pub". She plans to increase markedly the University's linkages with industries and businesses in the Illawarra.

One of the special guests at the inaugural event will be Tim Thomas, brewer for FiveIslands Brewing Company, who will demonstrate the brewing process and explain the science behind different brews. He will discuss brewing history which dates back to the early Egyptians and Sumerians.

Another guest will be Dr Simon Brooke-Taylor, a food safety and regulation consultant and qualified master brewer, who used to work for the UK's largest brewer, Bass. The Head of Biological Sciences at UOW, Professor Mark Walker, will make the link from brewing beer to saving lives through biotechnology.

Dr Coyle is keen to hear from any businesses interested in any way in either starting up a linkage with the University, expanding on an existing one or with ideas for her "brewery" series. She can be contacted at 4221 4420 or email tcoyle@uow.edu.au

Dr Coyle was previously employed for 18 months as Regional Manager (Illawarra and South Coast) for AusIndustry based in Wollongong. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and is now studying at the University of Wollongong for a Master of Journalism degree in Science Journalism.

Where:When: 5.30pm until 6.30pm, Wednesday 12 November

Cost: Free

Further information: Contact Dr Troy Coyle on 4221 4420