Beer, general education and conversation at “Bildningspuben”
The concept is based on a mix of educational conversations with researchers and quizzes – often music quizzes – in a relaxed and very ‘pub-like’ atmosphere at William’s Pub. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University
When Bildningspuben made its debut at William’s Pub in Uppsala, the interest was overwhelming. The initiative, run by a group of communications officers at Uppsala University, combines conversations with researchers and quizzes to make knowledge more accessible.
What is Bildningspuben?
“It’s an unpretentious forum where we aim to lower the threshold to research and reach out beyond academia to a broader audience,” says Tove Hellkvist from the Department of Government, one of the people behind the initiative. “The concept is based on a mix of educational conversations with researchers and quizzes – often music quizzes – in a relaxed and very ‘pub-like’ atmosphere at William’s Pub.”
How did the opening night go?
“It was a huge success that surpassed our expectations. The event was fully booked well in advance, and we had to turn away at least 50 people who wanted to be there. On Facebook, around 700 people had expressed an interest in the premiere. On the night itself, there were so many people that there were long queues snaking their way to the bar, and the audience was packed right up close to us on stage.”
What was your impression of the crowd during the evening?
“The audience was a really fun mix of people – both young and old – which was exactly what we were aiming for. People over the age of 18 who are keen to learn more, but who also have a touch of playfulness about them. Although many people from the University were there, including professors and students, the audience was by no means just University types.
“The atmosphere was unpretentious and open. People sat at each other’s tables and started chatting. There was a sense that it was okay to ask questions, whatever your background.”
From left: Tove Hellkvist, Shirin Ahlbäck Öberg, Professor of Political Science, and Olof Wilske, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law and Lasse Blom. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University
Was there anything that surprised you?
“Although the setting was a bustling pub serving food with queues at the bar, we were surprised by how quiet and focused everyone became as soon as the conversation between the researchers began, as everyone was really keen to learn about the topic. Our main speakers, Shirin Ahlbäck Öberg, Professor of Political Science, and Olof Wilske, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law, did a brilliant job and struck exactly the right note in their fascinating discussion.”
Was there a particular moment during the evening that stood out?
“As soon as I said, ‘Hello, and welcome to the first ever Bildningspuben,’ I felt sure this was going to work.”
What topics are planned for future pub nights?
“Next time, the focus will be on the topic of war and peace. We will be joined by Therese Pettersson from the Department of Peace and Conflict Research and Lars Trädgårdh from the Institute for Housing and Urban Research. There are also plans to bring in research perspectives from other departments in the future to discuss various topical issues.”
Fatemeh Khudadadi
Bildningspuben
Five communicators behind Bildningspuben:
- Camilla Scheinert, Institute for Housing and Urban Research
- Emma Hallberg Gardell, Office for Humanities and Social Sciences
- Joakim Palmén, Department of Peace and Conflict Research
- Lasse Blom, Department of Law
- Tove Hellkvist, Department of Government