‘If you win the lottery – will you give to charity?’ is the title of the latest Café Scientifique talk in Colchester on Wednesday 12 December.

The talk will be delivered by Dr David Reinstein, Lecturer at the Department of Economics at the University of Essex, who is an expert on altruism, charitable giving, social motivators and consumer behaviour.

Dr Reinstein will discuss his latest research and the evidence on what makes people want to give to charity. He will also look at the idea of “promising” to donate one’s future, uncertain, income. For example, if you win the lottery will you really give to charity?

Other subjects to be covered include current laboratory and field experiments and why economists and other social scientists use these methods.

The talk will be followed by an open discussion.

Originally started in Leeds in 1998, Café Scientifique aims to allow members of the public to hear from leading scientists and to bring people together to talk about science and technology. There are now around 40 cafes across the UK, with the Colchester Café Scientifique sponsored by the University of Essex and speakers giving their time free of charge.

All Café Scientifique talks are held at Love Bistro in The Minories in Colchester High Street at 7pm, doors open at 6.30pm. Visitors should use the garden entrance, opposite firstsite.

For further information call Ray White on 01621 891598 or go to: www.cafescientifique.org.