Does more harm than good now come from technology? Is research getting too risky? Is science dangerous? These are the intriguing themes to be discussed in the first of a series of biannual lectures on science, announced today by the joint organisers, The Irish Times and the Royal Dublin Society.
The Irish Times/RDS science lecture series is designed to promote a better public awareness of science, according to Mr Chris Shouldice, chairman of the RDS Science and Technology Committee. The lectures will bring the world's leading scientists, science writers and communicators to Dublin to make presentations on current science issues. The lectures, Mr Shouldice said, would discuss real science but would be delivered in non-technical language. A degree in physics or chemistry would not be required to attend and enjoy them. Each year's spring lecture will be delivered by a noted scientist who will offer a formal presentation on a topical aspect of science. The autumn event will be a "demonstration lecture", an exciting, fast-paced and entertaining presentation particularly geared to school students.
The series would fulfil an important function in contributing to a better public understanding of science, Mr Shouldice said. The lectures would have a particular relevance in "promoting national awareness of global scientific developments". The RDS had a long involvement in popularising science. Over its 250-year history, its science initiatives had evolved into institutions such as the Botanic Gardens, the Veterinary College and the National Library, he said.
The Irish Times as a media organisation had been committed for many years to bringing science news and issues before the public, according to Mr Gerry Smyth, managing editor. This began some years ago with the introduction of Dr William Reville's weekly Science Today column.
"It was the only Irish newspaper to appoint a science correspondent and then a science editor and now has a science unit covering all aspects of science as it affects the general public," he said. The newspaper had a full-time environmental and food science correspondent, covered medical news and features, business technology and marine science, and reported on scientific research being carried out in Ireland. "No other Irish newspaper has this level of commitment to helping people come to grips with the technology revolution taking place around us," Mr Smyth said.
The inaugural lecture, to be held at the RDS Concert Hall at 7 p.m. on May 19th, is by Prof Lewis Wolpert, current chairman of the UK Committee for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at the University College London Medical School.
He will challenge listeners with a talk on whether scientific research has become dangerous to the public which it is meant to serve. Prof Wolpert has presented many scientific programmes for radio and television and was a member of the BBC2 Brains Trust.
He writes a twice-monthly column in the Independent on Sunday and has published many books. His most recent, Passionate Minds, presents interviews with some of the world's leading researchers on how they became involved in science.
Tickets for the first lecture will be free of charge. Those seeking tickets should phone Carol Power, Science Development Executive at the RDS, 668-0866, extension 217
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