Melbourne’s coffee culture will be launched into outer space at a series of public events in Melbourne and across regional Victoria for National Science Week.
Coffee in Space sees a team of experts, led by La Trobe University physicist and coffee scientist Dr David Hoxley, rise to the challenge of how to create the perfect cup of coffee in space.
A facilitator will challenge the experts to resolve issues of how to grind the coffee without grinds flying everywhere; how to drink a floating ball of hot coffee, and what to do with dead coffee grounds. They will even question whether space-made coffee is drinkable at all.
The experiment is preceded by a public lecture led by Dr Hoxley and Dr Monika Fekete from Coffee Science Lab, at which they will demystify the science behind coffee. The event will conclude with an opportunity for the public to taste-test different styles of coffee and discover how varied shapes and sizes of coffee grinds affect taste.
Coffee in Space is a joint venture led by La Trobe’s Dr David Hoxley and the University’s Science Outreach Program team – a program supporting Government initiatives to inspire and educate high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Dr Hoxley said the idea for Coffee in Space came from a passion to make science more accessible to students and the wider public.
“The La Trobe Science Outreach team and I created Coffee in Space because we are all on a mission to see more students enthusiastic about, and participating in STEM,” Dr Hoxley said.
“Coffee in Space will show both students and coffee connoisseurs alike that with a little bit of science, and a lot of passion, it could be possible to enjoy a cup of coffee anywhere in the galaxy.”
Dr Monika Fekete from Coffee Science Lab said her work in coffee and water science has become
an educational tool for coffee professionals.
“Local baristas are using the latest research findings into coffee science to help them consistently make the best coffee for their customers,” Dr Fekete said.
Coffee in Space will be held at the Arts Centre in Melbourne on 11 August and at the University’s regional campuses in Albury-Wodonga on 8 August, and Shepparton on 9 August. The Bendigo Discovery Science and Technology Centre will also host the event on 18 August.
Coffee in Space is funded by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
