Two former Imperial researchers have received an award from David Cameron for their annual science festival that takes place in pubs around the world.

Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin, who met when they were postdocs at Imperial, established Pint of Science as a way of making science accessible to all.

The pair have been named Points of Light in recognition of their efforts, an accolade given out by the Prime Minister to outstanding volunteers who are making change in their community.

The Pint of Science festival, held in May each year, puts postgraduate students and researchers in pubs to deliver talks to the public. The sessions cover a diverse range of scientific topics, from the human body to atoms and galaxies, and encourage informal debate and discussion from patrons.

This year, events took place in 12 different cities across the UK and at venues in eight other countries including the US, Australia and Spain. Scores of Imperial students and academics have taken part, including eminent neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt and palaeontologist Dr Susannah Maidment.

Innovative and inspiring

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Praveen and Michael have found a brilliantly innovative way to take science out of the lab and show thousands of people how interesting science can be. They have inspired students and top scientists around the world to get involved in Pint of Science and make their subjects accessible for everyone. I am delighted to be able to recognise their service by making them both Points of Light and I hope that Pint of Science continues to grow and reach even more people.”

Dr Michael Motskin and Dr Praveen Paul

Praveen said: “I am very proud to win this award. It is great to be recognised for our hard work and for the work of our many volunteers across the UK and abroad. The UK is a world leader in scientific research and Pint of Science gives us the opportunity to tell the public the story behind the headline and make science and scientists more accessible. There is a real buzz when Pint of Science happens and I love that people have the opportunity to find out about the wide range of amazing research and discovery that is happening around them.”

Michael said: “Pint of Science started as a small project and now it has become the biggest science festival in the world. Receiving an award from the Prime Minister marks the highlight of three years of hard work. The UK now has a community of scientists who are passionate about communicating science, either in the form of talks at pubs or other forms such as art-science events we also organise. Our team of volunteers own this award, they are the beating heart of Pint of Science, without their efforts we wouldn’t exist.”