Beer can cracking and lively conversations erupted throughout the Sara Fulham Atrium on Tuesday as hundreds of postdocs, graduate students and faculty gathered for posters and pints, a night of informal science communication and beer tasting. had a blast.

About 14 students presented their research posters and hundreds streamed while talking, drinking beer and eating free food.

“The food is good, the drinks are good, and science is fun,” said graduate student Jason Nagany after entering the atrium without knowing the event was going on.

One experienced presenter said Posters and Pints ​​was the most successful presentation session ever.

“I attended a big international conference in Vancouver at the end of August, and there was more interaction here than at that conference, maybe five times as much. Postdoctoral student Christina Post said. CT“This is definitely the best poster session I’ve ever had.”

Presenters and attendees were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with peers across the university. And of course they were happy to taste different types of beer.

Postdoctoral student Samantha Romanik said, referring to the way many European conferences are structured to have an informal atmosphere, “I like having beer options.” It feels more casual, like you’re talking to a collaborator or colleague, rather than being tested.”

For many, posters and pints were stepping stones to prepare for future conferences and research project presentations.

“I’m going to be speaking at NERM, the Northeast Regional Conference of the American Chemical Society, in about two weeks, so I thought this would be a good event for me to get out of the lab,” says PhD student Jordan Butt. Told. CT.

This year’s event, the second Posters and Pints ​​ever held, was the result of a collaboration between the UR Postdoctoral Association, the Thinkers and Drinkers Communications Club, and MyHub. Thinkers and Drinkers spearheaded the first iteration of 2019.

“We all discussed what we liked and disliked about the poster session and tried to create an informal conversation about what we wanted in the poster session: free alcohol and science,” said Ian Krout. , co-chair of Thinkers and Drinkers, said CT.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event’s second iteration was postponed until this year as organizers wanted to ensure it could go ahead.

“I think it’s a fascinating event to attend,” said Erin Davis, co-chair of the Postdoctoral Association. “It’s more informal and social and doesn’t involve judging. We’re here to have a good time and help people communicate their research.”