Arriving at Leidse Lente for Biology on Tap, the bar is already buzzing with anticipation. Around 50 people fill the cozy space – arrive early if you want a good seat! Attendees are enveloped by warm lights, sitting among hanging plants and vintage radios. The vibes? Very gezellig. The crowd is a mix of students and professionals, all looking forward to hear from the invited experts.
“We believe science should be fun, engaging and accessible to everyone,” the host explains. “And that’s why we brought it to the pub.” They announce that a sponsorship from the municipality of Leiden is allowing Biology on Tap to continue for at least two more years, meaning no more donations are needed to keep the event going strong.
captivating talks
The evening features two captivating talks: The first, an exploration into asymmetrical animals by Menno Schilthuizen. The second speaker, Norbert Peters, puts a unique twist on invasion biology by comparing invasive species to science fiction classics, like H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Between talks, a lively biology-themed trivia challenge is led by a charismatic quizmaster. Fortunately, teams are divided into biologist and non-biologist categories, so everyone has shot at victory.
Biology on Tap is not your typical science lecture. It’s a lively, informal series of biology-related talks held at a bar in Leiden. Typically held on the first Monday of each month at Leidse Lente, the event invites both biologists and enthusiasts alike to grab a drink and discover fascinating facts about life here on earth.
Animal PRIDE
Feeling FOMO? No worries – the next Biology on Tap will take place on 28 March, starting at 7:30 pm. This event will be a special collaboration with the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave to promote their new Unseen exhibition. Although the typical Biology on Tap is completely free to attend, this evening you’ll need a valid museum ticket (free with Student Card or Museumkaart), since people are welcome to visit the exhibition afterward.
Unseen explores how the study of medicine has often ignored women and gender-diverse bodies as, for centuries, diagnoses and treatments have been tailored to men. The Biology on Tap talks will build on this concept.
The first talk, “PRIDE in the animal kingdom” by Dr. Werner de Gier, will reveal queer behaviour in nature, “from asexually reproducing lizards to gender-swapping shrimp.” The second talk, “From Hysteria to Hormones” by Prof. Dr. Gisela Terwindt, will deep dive into what 19th century doctors called hysteria – an assortment of conditions from migraines to emotional instability. The description reads, “We’ve come a long way since the times of hysteria, but we’re not there yet.” Naturally, the evening will also include a pub quiz, with prizes.
Interested in joining? Make sure you register