Reading Geek Night – What is AI Safety (Tues 10th Mar 2026)

rdggeeknight , , , , , ,

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2026 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm What is AI Safety (Phil Lunn)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

 What is AI Safety (Phil Lunn)

Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping how we work and live — from generative AI tools to machine learning and deep learning systems embedded across industries. As these technologies advance, so do the questions around safety, ethics and responsibility. What does it really mean for AI to be “safe”? How should organisations think about governance, regulation and risk as we move closer to increasingly capable systems — and even the idea of artificial general intelligence (AGI)?

In this talk, we’ll explore how AI is transforming workplaces and society, where it can genuinely add value, and what skills — technical and non-technical — will be needed in the years ahead. The session offers a grounded look at responsible AI adoption, cutting through hype while addressing real-world implications.

Phil Lunn works at the intersection of AI, ethics and governance, helping professionals understand how to harness AI effectively while building the safeguards needed for safe and responsible use.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Reading Geek Night – Odd European Borders (Tues 10th Feb 2026)

rdggeeknight , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2026 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm Odd European Borders (Richard Stephenson)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Xmas Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

Odd European Borders (Richard Stephenson)

Join Richard Stephenson for fascinating exploration into the strangest geopolitical anomalies across Europe and beyond, where history and geography collide in unexpected ways. You will discover the lighthearted “Whiskey War” over Hans Island, a peaceful “conflict” where Canada and Denmark have spent decades taking turns “invading” the land to exchange bottles of spirits…and much more!

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Reading STEAM Meetup Groups New Year Social – Tuesday 13th January 2026

rdggeeknight , , , , ,

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM New Year Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.

Please find the meetup links for the event via:  Science in Reading Meetup Page 

Theme: Reading STEAM New Year Social

Time: 7pm until late

Venue: Upstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)

During the evening each group represented will get a short slot to let you know more about them and what they do.

Familiar faces from the following groups:

  • BCS Berkshire
  • Dreading Slam Poetry Group
  • Future Skills: Reading
  • IET Berkshire
  • Internations
  • Missing Maps
  • Play The Guitar Project
  • Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
  • Reading Astronomical Society
  • Reading Geek Night
  • Reading Hydro
  • Reading Museum
  • Reading Repair Cafe
  • Reading Social Tech
  • rlab
  • Science in Reading
  • Thames Valley AI Hub
  • The Hangout (formally Geeks & Gamers)
  • University of Reading
  • …and others 

(The above list is evolving)

All STEAM meetup groups in the area are very welcome.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Reading Geek Night – Menopause Decoded: What we should know about hormones, symptoms & HRT (Tues 11th Nov 2025)

rdggeeknight , , , ,

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2025 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm Menopause Decoded: What we should know about hormones, symptoms & HRT (Dr Dani Hristova)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Xmas Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

Menopause Decoded: What we should know about hormones, symptoms & HRT (Dr Dani Hristova)

Most men (and women, before they have to deal with it), know little about menopause—yet it affects partners, colleagues, friends, and society at large. This talk breaks down what really happens during menopause, the science behind hormonal changes, and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works. We’ll also look at common misconceptions, side effects, and why understanding menopause is everyone’s business, not just women’s.

Dani is a Clinical Research Physician with a special interest in menopause and perimenopause management. She has conducted several clinical studies on emerging menopause therapies and holds both the British Menopause Society Certificate in Menopause Management and the Certificate of Principles and Practice of Menopause Care.

Her interest in menopause stems not only from her direct clinical experience supporting hundreds of women participating in menopause studies, but also from her own personal journey. This combination of professional expertise and lived experience has inspired her to raise awareness around menopause through social media and to deliver training aimed at improving menopause care and understanding.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Reading Geek Night – Reading’s Digital Revolution (Tues 14th Oct 2025)

rdggeeknight

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2025 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm Reading’s Digital Revolution (Brendan Carr – Reading Museum, Peter Doyle & Stuart Ward )
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

Reading’s Digital Revolution (Brendan Carr – Reading Museum, Peter Doyle & Stuart Ward)

Stuart will be introducing an evening which will lead us into as short talk about Reading’s DIGITAL Revolution project and then culminate with first public performance of a unique musical composition specially commissioned for Reading Museum’s “DIGITAL Revolution” exhibition.

Brendan Carr (Reading Museum’s Community Engagement Curator) will give a short presentation on the development and content of the Reading’s DIGITAL Revolution project, including insights into the current exhibition which continues in the Sir John Madejski Gallery until Wednesday 24th December.

Peter Doyle will be contributing a unique musical composition to Reading Museum’s “DIGITAL Revolution” exhibition, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) UK and the birth of the ICT industry in Reading. His work draws inspiration from the exhibition and notably incorporates synthesized sounds from the iconic DECtalk speech processor, a nod to the technological legacy of DEC.

The recital marks the first public performance of this specially commissioned piece, aligning with the museum’s broader efforts to commemorate Reading’s transformation into a digital hub. The exhibition itself, running until December 2025, explores the town’s evolution from traditional industries to its pivotal role in the UK’s Silicon Valley.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found via the website.

Reading STEAM Meetup Groups Summer Social – Tuesday 12th August 2025

rdggeeknight , , , , , , , , ,

We are looking for speakers from Nov 2025. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

We are pleased to announce the Reading STEAM Summer Social. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.

Please find the meetup links for the event via:  Science in Reading Meetup Page 

Theme: Reading STEAM Summer Social

Time: 7pm until late

Venue: Downstairs @ Zero Degrees (Reading)

During the evening each group represented will get a short slot to let you know more about them and what they do.

Familiar faces from the following groups:

  • BCS Berkshire
  • Dreading Slam Poetry Group
  • IET Berkshire
  • Internations
  • Missing Maps
  • Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
  • Reading Astronomical Society
  • Reading Geek Night
  • Reading Hydro
  • Reading Repair Cafe
  • Reading Social Tech
  • rlab
  • Science in Reading
  • Thames Valley AI Hub
  • Things Network Reading
  • University of Reading
  • …and others 

(The above list is evolving)

All STEAM meetup groups in the area are very welcome.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Reading Geek Night – AI: Use and Misuse at Work (Weds 16th July 2025)

rdggeeknight

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2025 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm AI: Use and Misuse at Work (Petronela Proteasa)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

AI: Use and Misuse at Work (Petronela Proteasa)

Petronela is a dual-qualified (England & Wales and Romania) lawyer specialising in employment law and has a keen interest in discrimination cases (covering all of the protected characteristics), whistleblowing, and AI in the workplace .

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Reading Geek Night – Using AI for Music Creation (Tues 17th June 2025)

rdggeeknight , , , ,

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2025 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Everyone welcome!

Please Click here for the meetup link.

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm Using AI for Music Creation (Simon Morris)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

Using AI for Music Creation (Simon Morris)

Join us for an exciting talk on the cutting-edge world of AI music creation! We’ll dive into innovative tools like Riffusion and Suno AI, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we compose, produce, and experience music. Whether you’re a musician, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of sound, this event is a great opportunity to learn, discuss, and explore the creative possibilities AI offers. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this dynamic conversation!

Links for tools used during the demo:

Suno AI

Udio

Riffusion

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Reading Geek Night – All aboard the Gadget Bahn (Tues 13th May 2025)

rdggeeknight

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

We are looking for speakers for 2025 and beyond. If you would like to get involved and support your local Reading Geek community please get in touch – email: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org or via Twitter: @RDGGeekNight Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please Click here for the meetup link.

Everyone welcome!

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm All aboard the Gadget Bahn (Richard Stephenson)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

All aboard the Gadget Bahn (Richard Stephenson)

Why do so many futuristic public transport innovations fail? In this Months talk Richard Stephenson Give a few examples of new ideas which some place tried out to their cost (literally) when improvements to their current bus/rail/tram network would have been so much wiser.

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found here.

Reading Geek Night: The Real Cyberwar: Users vs Security (Tues 8th Apr 2025)

rdggeeknight

Links to the local STEAM groups + #rdggeek Link Tree

Our monthly meetups are held upstairs at Zero Degrees (9 Bridge St, Reading RG1 2LR) from 7pm.

So please do come along, grab a beer/food at the downstairs bar (the mango beer and wood fired pizza are epic) and come share your geekery and enjoy a relaxed evening of talks + networking + beers.

Please Click here for the meetup link.

Everyone welcome!

  • 7:00pm Arrivals
  • 7:30pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:35pm The Real Cyberwar: Users vs Security (Peter Fagan)
  • 8:05pm Networking & beers
  • 8:30pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 8:35pm Pub Quiz (Please bring a pencil & paper)
  • 9:30pm End(Networking and beers downstairs)

The Real Cyberwar: Users vs Security (Peter Fagan)

Peter has a wealth of experience in INFOSEC, and holds both a business degree and a degree in organisational psychology. This session reviews the often fractious relationship between security practitioners and users, and makes recommendations for improvement. Along the way, we’ll take a look at the nature of security decision-making, and why security measures don’t always go to plan…

About Reading Geek Night

A friendly and welcoming community for enthusiasts.

Every second Tuesday of the month Reading Geek Night has talks on various topics about science, tech, design & geekery. The usual format is to gather from 7:00pm and commence the talks at 7:30pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Get involved and support the community

If you would like to get involved with your local #rdggeek community by giving a talk or hosting a quiz at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Speaking slot availability can be found here.