Physicists are well-known for their interest in coffee, not only drinking it but also studying the fascinating science behind an espresso.

Now researchers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), have taken it a whole new level by forming a research institute dedicated to the science of the perfect brew.

The Coffee Center will be used by more than 50 researchers and includes labs dedicated to brewing, “sensory and cupping” and the chemical analysis of coffee.

The centre has its origins in a 2013 course on “the design of coffee” by UC Davis chemical engineers William Ristenpart and Tonya Kuhl.

Two years later and a coffee lab at the university was established and in 2022 construction began on the Coffee Center, which was funded with $6m from private donors.

The official opening on 3 May was attended by over 200 people, who were treated to bean roasting and espresso brewing demonstrations.

“Think of this center as a hub of all things coffee,” noted UC Davies chancellor Gary May at the opening. “Together, we bring rigorous coffee science and cutting-edge technology to the world stage.”

Better latte than never.