Science cafés are live events that involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone, and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Nearly one-third of NM’s population lives in rural areas. To communicate information about NM EPSCoR’s research in local communities and near-by areas, Science Cafés will be held in public venues, such as restaurants, libraries, or schools in rural northern NM. The Cafés, to occur in Years 2-5, will include remarks by a science expert, followed by small group discussions.

Science Café’s are focused on participatory discussion and engagement of those attending. They are not long lectures, but rather welcome people who do not typically engage in conversations about science. The NM EPSCoR Science Cafés will focus on climate change, but specifically relate to the research being done in local environs, and the possible impacts of a changing climate on water resources in their own community. Participants in the Teacher Summer Institute (i.e., middle school teachers) will also act as local disseminators and discussion leaders for these informal public forums.