Battle of Ideas 2013 | session: Science & society: brave new world or geek chic?

Sensationalist headlines surrounding the so-called ‘three parent baby’ offered a reminder of how scientific advancements can divide opinion. Public debate around significant scientific challenges can still be fractious, with the scientific community viewed with suspicion and critics regularly being dubbed scientifically illiterate ‘deniers’ Yet, on issues from nuclear power to GM food, previously controversial scientific advances have become slowly accepted by former opponents. Meanwhile, popular culture hails the rise of the age of the geek, pointing towards the success of everything from science-friendly programmes from Doctor Who and The Wonders of the Universe to the growing ‘skeptic’ movement and the rise of the TED talk. Have public attitudes towards scientific progress and experimentation significantly shifted in recent years? Is society more or less willing to embrace bold new developments in science and technology than ever before? Are we at the dawn of a new age of public enlightenment?

Speakers


	Dr Anjana Ahuja science writer; co-author, Selected: why some people lead, why others follow and why it matters

	Barbara Hewson barrister, Middle Temple; writer and commentator

	Dr Adam Rutherford geneticist, science writer and broadcaster, BBC; author, Creation and A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Story In our Genes; presenter, Inside Science and The Cell

	Angela Saini science journalist; author, Geek Nation: how Indian science is taking over the world

	Sandy Starr communications officer, Progress Educational Trust; webmaster, BioNews

	Jonathan Webb neuroscientist, writer and performer

Chair:
	David Bowden associate fellow, Academy of Ideas; culture writer

Produced by

David Bowden associate fellow, Academy of Ideas; culture writer