On 12 May 2011 an open letter was sent to the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, signed by key figures from both the scientific and religious communities. It calls for a change to the national Department for Education (DfE) guidelines to prevent creationism being taught, presented, or otherwise promoted as a valid scientific position to children in publicly-funded schools.
Since it was established in 1970 the Church of Scotland’s Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) Project has made a significant contribution not just to the life of one particular church and its capacity to comment on demanding issues in society, but also to public debates about science, technology and ethics generally, says Mary Anson.
A leading US proponent of 'Inteligent Design' has been touring the UK to drum up support for his cause, says Bob Carling. But there are good reasons why he is unlikely to convince theologians or scientists with a 'god of the gaps' argument.
As with many other areas of public finance, funding for science is under major threat – maybe facing up to 25 per cent reductions, says Bob Carling. Many senior figures feel that proposed cuts will destroy the international excellence of science in the UK.
Last week I heard in the news that breast cancer death rates are down nearly 30 per cent since 1980, and although I of course think good thoughts about figures like these and the new wonder drugs and breaks-through we have from time to time, my happiness is tinged with very personal sadness.
Twenty-six of the UK’s top scientists and science educators including three Nobel laureates, have called on the Government to protect and promote science in schools.
With scientists making headlines about recent advances in synthetic biology, the Church of Scotland became the first major Christian body to make considered comment on the research.