The BA Concludes “Darwin Living Legacy” Conference
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Alexandria—
The proceedings of Darwin Living Legacy Conference, 14-16 November 2009, was concluded yesterday, Monday, 16 November 2009. The Conference was co-organized by the BA Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP) and the British Council, with the participation of 120 Academics from 30 different countries.
Dr. Fern Elsdon-Baker, Head of “Darwin Now” program, British Council, UK, stated that the conference provided a space for dialogue between participants from all over the world, and explored the role of Darwin’s theories on evolutionary science in a range of areas in our lives in the 21st Century.
She added that the conference highlighted Darwin’s theories role in modern biology, and the benefits of a clear understanding of developmental sciences and their application in agriculture and medicine. On the sidelines of the conference, an exhibition on the life and works of Charles Darwin was opened for public and school children. Dr. Peter C. Kjaergaard, University of Cambridge, UK also gave a presentation on human evolution and progress made in the genome sciences.
Dr. Yehia Halim Zaki, Head of BA Academic and Cultural Sector, gave an address on behalf of Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, in which he expressed his pride in holding this conference in the Library, and praised the interaction and enthusiasm of the participants. He emphasized that the conference celebrating Darwin’s legacy, opened new horizons to scientific research and its developments for future generations. The conference gathered several scientists from all over the world to build bridges of dialogue and understanding between different cultures.
Dr. Ehsan Masood, Writer and Journalist, UK, spoke about the importance of the conference and the richness of its session, which tackled different issues, such as: ethics of science, Darwinism and religious beliefs, and the problems facing scientific communities. He also pointed out that some societies still believe that religion is a hindrance to the progress of nations, whereas, there are several methods to combine both science and faith, and this conference is considered a step towards that end.
“Darwin’s Living Legacy” is the culmination of the British Council’s global year-long celebration of the life, work and legacy of Charles Darwin, an initiative known as the “Darwin Now” program, which explores Darwinism in context and promotes an informed dialogue about evolutionary science, based on mutual respect for differences in ideas, cultures and religious beliefs.