Two experts. Two short talks on big questions about people and our planet. Then it's your turn to ask. Grab a drink and get curious.

Ever wondered about the stuff that shapes our health, our communities and the world we live in, but never had the chance to ask someone who actually studies it? Here's your chance.

Curiosity on Tap brings experts out of the lecture hall and into the pub. Two speakers, two short talks of 15 minutes each, no jargon. Then the floor is yours: ask the questions you've always wanted to ask, in a relaxed room full of curious people.

THE TALKS

Dr Sreelakshmi Babu: Your Poo and the Next Silent Pandemic

What happens after you flush? Hidden in our wastewater are clues about a growing health threat: bacteria that no longer respond to antibiotics. Discover how scientists study what goes down the drain, what it can reveal about antibiotic resistance, and how this unexpected detective work could help us respond to the “silent pandemic”.

Dr Manjunadh Pillai: Healthy Ageing — It’s Never Too Late

Is it ever too late to make changes that help us age well? Dr Manjunadh Pillai explores how factors such as sleep, movement, nutrition and social connection can shape our wellbeing as we grow older. Come away with a fresh perspective on healthy ageing and the positive changes we can make at any stage of life.

About the speakers

Dr Sreelakshmi (Sree) Babu is an environmental scientist at AtkinsRéalis, working on water quality across the UK. She brings over 10 years of experience in environmental engineering from the UK, US, UAE and India. Her PhD at Newcastle University tracked antibiotic resistance through the sewers of hospitals and communities, in collaboration with the NHS, Northumbrian Water and Scottish Water. She's passionate about turning sewage data into decisions that protect public health.

Dr Manjunadh Pillai, MD, MRCPsych, is a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist, Royal College of Psychiatrists examiner and senior researcher. Passionate about lifestyle medicine, holistic wellbeing and dementia prevention, he believes it’s never too late to make positive changes, embrace life and age well.

RUNNING TIME

Doors: 5:45 pm (arrive early to grab a drink and a seat)

Welcome: 6:00 pm

Talk 1 + Q&A: 6:05 pm

Talk 2 + Q&A: 6:28 pm

Mix and mingle: 6:48 pm

Finish: 7:00 pm

Where: Newcastle upon Tyne. The venue and full address will be in your confirmation email.

Coming earlier? Our separately bookable Not Just Water infusion-making workshop runs 2–4 pm at the same venue: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2004191551883?aff=oddtdtcreator

Curiosity on Tap is hosted by HeatAction Communities CIC. Any surplus after event costs supports our work on extreme heat in India and the UK. Talks offer general information, not personal medical advice.

Description supplied by the event organiser.