"Water: The Most Important Thing You Know Nothing About"

"Water: The Most Important Thing You Know Nothing About"
With Jose R Castro

Summary
Most people don't think about water. You turn on the tap, it works. Job done.

The job's not done. Water sits quietly at the centre of almost every major challenge of the next fifty years: climate change, geopolitical conflict, AI, food security, public health. And most of us have almost no mental model for how it actually works as a system.

This talk is a tour of that system: where water comes from, where it's going, and why the decisions being made right now will determine whether the next generation has enough of it, and whether it's safe to drink. We'll cover why water 'scarcity' is almost entirely a political problem rather than a physical one; why upwards of two billion people drink water every day that would fail a basic safety test; how water has quietly become one of the most contested commodities in global finance; and where the genuinely exciting solutions are actually coming from.

No prior knowledge required. Just curiosity and, ideally, a pint.


Bio
José Castro is an Oxford-based water scientist, research and entrepreneur and the founder of Segura, a VC-backed water tech startup developing what is effectively a "glucose monitor for water" — the world's most advanced portable, fully digital test for key contaminants in water. Segura has been featured by TechCrunch and the BBC, showcased at SXSW London, and recognized by Google, the World Economic Forum, and the Royal Society of Chemistry among others. Holding an ACS-certified degree in Chemistry and an MSc in Water Management from the University of Oxford, his technical expertise is matched by an extensive background in international water policy: he has held consulting and strategic roles with Mott MacDonald's Water Consultancy across the UK and Middle East, the UN Environment Programme, and the International Water Management Institute. A prominent voice in global water security, José also shapes industry discourse through leadership positions with the World Youth Parliament for Water and the UNESCO Groundwater Youth Network, and as a member of the Scientific Programme Committee for SIWI's World Water Week.

Venue:
Big Penny
1 Priestley Way,
London
E17 6AL


Event Running Time:
(we recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 6pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.