New Scientist
Image: alistairmcmillan
A year shy of its 150th anniversary, is Darwin’s theory of natural selection still fit for survival? Charles Darwin was born 199 years ago today, and his theory aired publicly 149 years ago.
Although a century-and-a-half’s study has bolstered the theory’s standing among scientists, some sections of society remain unconvinced and even hostile towards Darwinism, threatening to overshadow next year’s celebrations.
Now, researchers are going on the offensive to ensure that the 2009 festivities – which also coincide with Darwin’s 200th birthday – are a success. The British Research Councils plough millions of pounds into research inspired by Darwinism each year, and next month they launch a website to debate the importance of Darwin’s legacy with the British public.
“We want to focus on modern research and how it draws on Darwin’s theory,” says Pat Middleton of the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Read more on newscientist.com…
