Pint of Science Festival 2025

From the promise of clean hydrogen energy to the surprising science behind ultrasound, this event dives into two powerful innovations shaping our future. Dr Alfredo Zafra reveals hydrogen’s double-edged potential—how this clean fuel of the future could corrode the very metals that carry it, and what engineers are doing to stop it. Then, Dr Veerle Brans takes you into the world of bubbles, bones, and back pain, where ultrasound technology and cavitation are revolutionising medicine—from targeted drug delivery to breaking kidney stones. Expect energy, engineering, and a few popping surprises.

Hydrogen: the key to a clean energy future—or a silent destroyer of metals

 Dr Alfredo Zafra (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Hydrogen is a clean energy source that could replace fossil fuels. It has the potential to power cars, industries, planes, and homes, helping us build a greener, carbon-free future. But hydrogen is tricky—it’s so small that it can slip into metals, making them weak and brittle. This can cause pipes and other structures to crack and fail unexpectedly. In this talk Alfredo will share how he and his colleagues are designing stronger metals that can safely handle hydrogen, making it possible to store and transport large amounts of clean energy to businesses and homes.

Bubbles, Bones and Back Pain: The Science Behind Ultrasound Therapy

Dr Veerle Brans (Postdoctoral Research Associate)

What do medical imaging, targeted drug delivery, and even breaking kidney stones have in common? Bubbles! When ultrasound waves interact with tiny bubbles in liquid, they create a fascinating phenomenon called cavitation, where bubbles oscillate and collapse, producing a range of effects, from chemical reactions to thermal and mechanical forces. In this talk, we’ll explore how scientists and engineers harness ultrasound and cavitation for cutting-edge applications in medicine and beyond.

Main image shows previous Pint of Science event with Dr Sara Keller