So you want to start a Science Café?

Anyone can start a Science Café! Some café organizers are associated with universities, museums, or professional scientific societies. Others organize a café because they see a need for one in their neighborhood, or they enjoy talking about science, or because it’s a fun way to combine science and socializing.

Organizing a Science Café doesn't take an enormous effort or a big budget. In fact, large, complicated, or high-profile events can detract from the casual, intimate café atmosphere. While attendance at a café meeting may range from only 20 to 80 people, the experience is far more personal and often more meaningful than that of a crowded lecture hall or stuffy speaker series. Often the success of one Science Café leads to an ongoing series of cafés.

For access to the "Grow a Café" section of this site, which contains additional tips, advice, and materials for both beginner and experienced café organizers, register your café.

To read profiles of other cafés, check out the Café Stories  and Cafés in the News  sections.