Raising the Bar 2026

➡️ Could animals know a natural disaster is coming before we do?
➡️ If a supervolcano blocked the sun, what would we eat?
➡️ What really kept the Roman Empire going for centuries?

Find out the answers to these questions and plenty more this September, as some of UC’s most fascinating research leaves campus and heads to the bar.

Raising the Bar Christchurch is back, with 20 talks across 10 local bars for one night only.

From microplastics in our bodies and the secret life of geothermal, to artificial intelligence, bird flu and the science of staying strong as we age, there’s plenty to get you thinking.

Choose your talk. Grab a drink. Learn something unexpected.

Registrations now open!

Raising the Bar wouldn't be possible without the support of the local bars and venues who open their doors to our academics and curious audiences. A huge thank you to Two Thumb, Craft Embassy, Cascade, C1 Espresso, Ramen Ria, Muy Muy, Botanic and Renegade Brewing Co.