Scientific Salons

It's seven o'clock -- official cocktail hour around the globe -- and culturally active London hipsters in their 20s and 30s skip the reality shows on the telly for a night out with a group of ethnically diverse strangers. About half of them have a scientific background, but many come from the U.K.'s museum-, theater- and comedy-going scenes. They relax at cafe tables and sip pinot grigio and vodka gimlets.

What brings them together? Naked Science, one of a series of programs sponsored by London's Dana Centre, a stylish, multipurpose gallery space where people are encouraged to take part in lively discussions about contemporary science, technology, and culture. 'This is about adults, and this is about science,' explains Lisa Jamieson, the center's program coordinator.

Those participating in Naked Science are asked to discuss whether people should define themselves by gender. Other weekly programs have included Punk Science, stand-up comedy about serious science buzz, and Future Face, which addressed issues like the reliability of over half a million closed circuit security cameras throughout London and whether cosmetics really deliver on their promise. Jamieson spearheads it all.

With an undergraduate degree in honors chemistry, a master's degree in science communication, and a career beginning in chemistry as well, this native Scot traded in her lab coat for a Palm Pilot two years ago and started bringing science into the lives of others. 'I wanted to be involved in all areas of science without having to become increasingly specialized in one,' she says.