The Science Café, which was created at the world’s leading universities as a platform to support informal scientific discussions, conversations, review of research, and the establishment of new scientific connections, was founded at the Business and Technology University (BTU) on November 10, 2023—on International Science Day.
The Science Café is envisaged as an interactive space for BTU’s academic staff, researchers, doctoral students, and young scientists, which at the same time will contribute to strengthening links between the scientific community and the private sector, including industry. The Science Café will bring together representatives of state and international organizations and will become a place for doctoral students’ and young scientists’ scientific discussions, research reviews, and the initiation of new collaborative projects.
BTU’s Science Café is listed on the international platform sciencecafes.org, where the world’s best practices are shared.
BTU’s Science Café aims to promote:
scientific communication among young scientists;
interdisciplinary conversations—discussions that go beyond academic boundaries and encourage cooperation between young scientists from different fields and industries;
exchange and transfer of knowledge—the creation of a platform where doctoral students can share their research, knowledge, and experience with colleagues, students, and the public;
initiation of interdisciplinary dialogue—encouraging collaboration by discussing topics that are relevant and aligned with the research priorities of the Business and Technology University;
professional development—offering doctoral students and young scientists the development of communication skills and the delivery of presentations tailored to their interests for the business sector.
Within the framework of the Science Café, the first event for doctoral students and young scientists was held on November 10, 2023, where BTU doctoral students presented their research topics, followed by thematic discussions in parallel groups; joint research projects were initiated and presented to BTU’s administrative team.
In June 2024, within the framework of the Science Café, an award ceremony for the Scientist of the Year, BTU Professor Kh. Burkadze, was held and his scientific research was discussed; also, a presentation of the book by BTU Professor Vl. Svanadze, “Cybersecurity Policy, Management Strategy and Recommendations,” and a doctoral students’ discussion on the topic “Security in the Era of Digital Transformation.”
In April and May 2025, presentations of topics by students who won BTU student competitions were held, as well as a public lecture/discussion on the topic: neuroscience, mental well-being, and the role of artificial intelligence in thriving.
In December, a public lecture for students was held: “CERN’s Digital Design Technologies and Their Impact on the Development of the Metaverse.”
After the lecture, a virtual tour was offered of CERN’s underground facilities, where the high-energy particle detector ATLAS is located, which is used to study so-called “dark matter,” extra dimensions, and the Higgs boson.