Members of the School of Informatics will once again be sharing their research with the public as part of Pint of Science 2026, the international grassroots science festival that brings researchers into local pubs and cafés to talk about their work — no prior knowledge required. The Edinburgh festival runs from 18–20 May 2026, with events taking place across the city. This year, Informatics researchers and students are contributing to a range of discussions exploring AI, robotics, trust, statistics and healthcare, reflecting the breadth of research across the School. Pint of Science: research, explained over a drink Pint of Science is a non‑profit, volunteer‑run festival that aims to make cutting‑edge research accessible and engaging in an informal setting. First held in 2013, it now takes place in nearly 500 cities worldwide and is organised in the UK by a community of over 2,000 researchers.Events are grouped under broad themes and feature short talks followed by discussion, giving the audience a chance to ask questions and engage directly with researchers. Tech events featuring Informatics researchers The care crisis meets AI: Are robots the answer? Monday 18 May – Leith DepotThis event explores the role of humanoid robots in society, asking whether robots could genuinely support independence and care, or whether they represent a technological response to deeply human challenges.Informatics contribution:Would You Let a Humanoid Robot Look After Your Loved Ones?Elle Miller, PhD student, School of InformaticsAs care systems face increasing pressure, could humanoid robots offer a path to independence — or are they the latest example of “technological salvation”? Elle examines trust, responsibility and the social implications of deploying robots in care settings. Event details ChatGPT, stochastic parrots and how to fall in love Tuesday 19 May – Leith DepotA lively event examining how we understand information, uncertainty and decision‑making in an age shaped by statistics, models and large language models such as ChatGPT.Informatics contribution:The Secret History of ChatGPTDr Adam Lopez, Reader, School of InformaticsChatGPT may feel new, but its foundations stretch back over a century. Adam traces the ideas behind modern chatbots and asks what their long history can tell us about their future. Event details The trust problem: Understanding AI for applications in healthcare Wednesday 20 May – Leith DepotThis event explores how emerging technologies are helping us make sense of complex systems, from AI models to continuous health monitoring — and why trust and transparency matter.Informatics contribution:Popping up the hood of AINeel Rajani, PhD student, Centre for Doctoral Training in Designing Responsible NLPLarge Language Models are often seen as opaque “black boxes”. Neel opens them up using 3D visualisations to show how these systems work internally, and why interpretability is crucial for responsible deployment — especially in healthcare contexts. Event details Meet the scientist Across these events, Informatics researchers and doctoral students will be engaging with the public on topics including:trust in AI systemssocial and ethical implications of roboticsthe history and future of language technologieshow interpretation and transparency shape responsible AI useBy taking research out of the lab and into the pub, Pint of Science offers an opportunity to have open, thoughtful conversations about the technologies shaping everyday life. Related links Browse all Pint of Science events in Edinburgh Publication date 22 Apr, 2026
