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3 Supermodels There are many different ways of conducting Cafés Scientifiques, and the idea is flexible enough to include many more variations. However to-date three models seem to dominate the European scene, each born in a different country - France, Denmark and the UK. The French Model The pioneering French Cafés started in 1997 and 1998 in Caen, Paris and Lyon. Independently, many other towns developed their cafes and there are now at least 20 in France. They are generally funded by local institutions, university, city or regional authorities and there is no central organisation, although the Paris region has a local organisation. There are two main philosophies; (1)'outreach' by scientists from universities who explain their work to the public and invite questions and discussion; (2) more political and social discussion about the practise and ethics of science today. The format is often one with a panel of speakers, chosen to show different sides of the subject in hand. The speakers only have a couple of minutes to introduce themselves and discussion starts straight away, with a chairperson in attendance. Usually the discussion takes up to 90 minutes. Some Cafés incorporate music, or theatre into the evening as well, and the starting times vary from 4pm until 7.30pm. Other initiatives taken in France are Junior Cafés in schools and student forums in Universities. Although the French Cafés are popular and well respected by both scientists and the public, funding is a problem, and much time is spent searching for funds. The British Model Started in 1998, the British Cafés have expanded since 2002 following Wellcome Trust funding which allowed for a national organiser for three years. Although there is no central organisation a national website keeps the different groups in touch, and there are now over two dozen Cafés. The British Cafés operate a simple format. One speaker talks for about 20 minutes, usually with no visual aides. Then there is a short break for drinks, followed by questions and discussion for up to an hour. The audience can expect the speaker to be opinionated and informed, but they recognise they are only getting one view, and may get the opposite opinion at another meeting. Some Cafés charge a small fee, and provide snacks or dinner, but most are free. Individual Cafés have taken initiatives to provide Junior Cafés in schools and also to use indigenous languages, like Welsh. Central funding will run out early next year, although some of the cafes have local funding. The Danish Model Started in 2001 in Copenhagen, the Danes have developed a rather different approach. Although the aim is similar - to create a public forum for debate, and to discuss the impact of scientific issues in a broad social context - the format is somewhat different. It promotes interdisciplinary discussions across natural and social sciences, the humanities, art and culture. Confrontation is not the main motivation. For instance in the Science Café 'The Clones Are Coming' both a scientist and a philosopher were present to lead the discussion (and on some points it turned out that the philosopher had less ethical reservations regarding the application of cloning than the scientist). The two speakers meet beforehand at dinner, so that they can get to know each other. The Café starts at 8pm. After a short introduction by the moderator, the experts have eight minutes to introduce themselves and express clearly their position on the topic to be discussed. Then the moderator invites the audience or panellists to ask questions, and the session lasts for ninety minutes without a break. When the session is closed members of the audience can chat to the experts over a beer. |
