September 9^th was the start of Freshers’ Week for the University of Edinburgh and ARC’s Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) Project Officers were there to support it for the third year in a row. SSAAR have had a close working relationship with the Wildlife Society of the University, supporting a variety of events and activities through out the academic year. Through the Wildlife Society many students have gained an insight into the workings of ARC overall and some students have become volunteers and surveyors for ARC in Scotland.

This year the Wildlife Society President and ARC volunteer Cally Ullman-Smith and his hard-working committee (Catriona Ferguson, Finn McElrue-Inch, Emma House, Riya Agnihotri, and Eda Uzunded) introduced a whole new and innovative event for the Society and for local Freshers’ events overall, ‘Pints of Science’. This is a beautifully simple idea of booking space in a pub where students can meet people working in the sciences.

To kick start this programme, the first event was on the 13^th September, at Bar 50, with scientists from the environment and conservation field. SSAARs project officers Janet Ullman and Rachael Cooper-Bohannon were invited along with Megan Stevenson, an animal keeper at Edinburgh Zoo and field ecologist, as the first inaugural ‘Pints with Scientists’.

Cat and Cally were the shepherds of the event, directing the scientists round the booths to meet groups of students, answer questions and then get moved to the next group. The informality of the occasion meant students could pose questions equally and really get to know the invited speakers to gain insight and advice. There was a lot of back stories and adventures to share, with a pint or non-alcoholic beverage in hand and a lot of laughter.

We must thank the Wildlife Society for their passion and their partnership in helping SSAARs be part of their endeavours to enable students to experience a wealth of opportunities and inclusive events throughout the year. Bar 50 provided ample space for the event and a very cosy ambiance. We can look forward to repeat sessions for what should be a spectacular programme of Pints of Science events. ARC will certainly be at future bookings when needed.

Find out more about the Saving Scotland’s Amphibians and Reptiles  on the project page.