First and foremost, taking part in Café Sci should be an enjoyable experience that gives you a chance to think about science and technology in a different way and think more about the issues that interest you, not just the ones in the curriculum.

If you choose to be more than just one of the audience and join the organising team, you will have the chance to develop a range of different useful skills. Depending on what role you take, you may develop organisation, communication, design, marketing or negotiation skills. You’ll gain confidence in public speaking and learn how to put your views across to others effectively.

If you are thinking of going on to higher education, universities will see the benefits on your UCAS form and in future job interviews you can show potential employers a concrete example of the skills you have learnt. A role in the Café Sci organising team can also count towards award schemes such as the Leaders Award for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, the British Science Association's CREST Award, or the Duke of of Edinburgh's Award.