Far from the February cold comes a warm invitation to spend a night out with friends and all to discover a different outlook on evolution, climate change and other controversial scientific subjects over cold brews.

“Science on Tap,” the monthly lecture series, is back with NMU biology professor Alec Lindsay returning to the stage to deliver his thoughts on some of today’s heated topics in a lecture titled, “Why One Scientist Doesn’t Believe in Evolution, Climate Change or Vaccinations.” The lecture is from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight, Feb. 8, at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. and comes with the celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday, which is Feb. 12.
This is an opportunity not only for scientists but also community members to engage in a laid-back conversation and talk about some of the issues that encompass much of today’s media, Lindsay said. It’s important to understand different viewpoints and this lecture offers a way for people to start talking about those issues in a meaningful way, Lindsay added.

“I think people are inherently interested in science. People are curious about the world around them and science provides a way to understand that world,” Lindsay said. “The conversation that can happen between scientists and non-scientists is a real important one.”

The lecture offers a way to distinguish what scientific facts are and how “the role of belief” has made an effect in the field, Lindsay said. When there’s “propaganda” of climate change denial and disbelief in evolution in the media, it’s important to understand each side of the spectrum and know how to address those issues with one another, he added.

“I would like people to think more carefully about how they talk and think about science and value the work of highly trained experts,” Lindsay continued. “I hope there’s a new perspective for people to consider and it starts a meaningful conversation.”

“Science on Tap” is one of the Ore Dock’s most attended recurring events and draws in people from all different ages and backgrounds, said Lizzie Corser, taps room and events manager. With crowds reaching a capacity of over 200, the series strikes an interest in the community with issues that are of high importance in today’s world, Corser said.

“It’s pretty incredible to see high-level research on so many topics broken down into digestible and humorous bites,” Corser said, adding, “Plus, it’s hard to beat learning with a delicious pint of crafted beer in your hand.”
While topics of science may be “intimidating” to approach, the series offers a way to present the information in an interesting manner to a much “broader community,” Corser continued.

“In today’s environment, where so many conversations can fall into an us vs. them mentality with little drive for compromise, it’s important to spend time listening and understanding the foundation and context within which different views are developed and supported,” Corser said.

As a way to bring people together, the Ore Dock works with NMU on many different programs like “Science on Tap” to provide the student body and community with events that are educational but also eye opening, Corser added.
“The series covers topics most people wouldn’t be exposed to in their daily life, and I think our community is hungry for that kind of discovery,” she said.

The event is free of charge. Following the presentation, there will be an open question and answer session.