Science has a central role in the modern world - in helping us understand risks like global warming and in developing the technologies which underpin our economy. But who should make the decisions about the science we can practise and the technologies we can use - politicians, religious leaders, business people or the scientists themselves? On Wednesday 21 March, the University will be staging a mid-week debate, with a panel of experts from a range of scientific backgrounds.

Science has a central role in the modern world - in helping us understand risks like global warming and in developing the technologies which underpin our economy. But who should make the decisions about the science we can practise and the technologies we can use - politicians, religious leaders, business people or the scientists themselves? On Wednesday 21 March, the University will be staging a mid-week debate, with a panel of experts from a range of scientific backgrounds.

The event is part of National Science Week 2001 at the University of Cambridge. From genetic modification to mad cow disease and the future of the Internet, the debate will be a chance to discuss some of the hottest topics in science. Panellists will include zoologist Professor Patrick Bateson; author A.S. Byatt; Sir Robert May, President of the Royal Society; Dr Anjana Ahuja, science correspondent at The Times, and Ruth Deech, chairman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Sarah Shaw, National Science Week co-ordinator at the University, said: "Everyone has different views about what are the most important or problematic scientific advances. This debate is a chance to put some of those burning questions to our panel and help clarify some of the issues."

If you have a question you want addressing, or an issue you would like one of the panellists to give their views on, you can e-mail our National Science Week team at ucam-nsw@lists.cam.ac.uk

The debate will be held in the Lady Mitchell Hall, in Sidgwick Avenue, on 21 March 2001 at 7.00pm. Doors will be open from 6.20pm and you should arrive early to secure a seat. Admission is free.


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