Sept 22-24, 2006

Westminster College

Aim of Course

This course will be of interest to all those concerned with the way that the ethical implications of scientific discoveries, as well as the handling of science and religion more specifically, are handled by the media, by government, and in education, thereby shaping public perceptions of both science, ethics and religion. The Course will be of particular interest to scientists concerned with the public understanding of science, to those in the media involved in communicating science and/or religion, to teachers and all involved in education, to those in government involved in shaping policy, and to all members of the general public who have an interest in the way science and faith interact in society.

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

  • Mr Michael Brooks : New Scientist, Science and Religion in Science Journalism
  • Derek Burke CBE DL: Ethics in Public Policy
  • David Cook : The Moral Maze and Bioethics in Media and Government
  • Rt Hon John Gummer MP: How Does Parliament Handle the Ethical Controversies Raised by Scientific Advance?
  • Sir John Houghton FRS: Global Warming and Society’s Response
  • Dr Pete Moore : Ethical Issues in Science and the Public Mind
  • Mr Martin Redfern : BBC, Science & Religion in the Media

Venue

The course will be held at Westminster College, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0AA. Click here to obtain further details about the College.

Westminster College is housed in an impressive late 19th century grade II listed building situated in two acres of gardens within easy walking distance of Cambridge City Centre, the celebrated ‘Backs’ and other University Colleges.

Westminster College is on the main ring road within easy access off the M11 and A14 and has limited on-site parking. The College is a short taxi ride from the train and bus stations. Airport coach or train from Stansted Airport (the most convenient airport for Cambridge) takes 30-40 minutes. Location map for Westminster College.

Course Schedule

Friday September 22
6.00 pm Arrival
6.45 pm Dinner
7.45 pm Introduction
8.00 pm Rt Hon John Gummer: How Does Parliament Handle the Ethical Issues Raised by Scientific Advance?
9.00 pm Questions and Discussion
9.30 pm Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You
 

Saturday September 23

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Prof. David Cook: Science, Faith and the Moral Maze
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Sir John Houghton: Global Warming and Society’s Response
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Mr Martin Redfern: Science and Religion in Radio
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Mr Michael Brooks: Science and Religion in Science Journalism
5.00 pm Questions and Discussion
5.30 pm Dr Pete Moore: Ethical Issues Raised by Science
6.30 pm Questions and Discussion
7.00 pm Gala Dinner
8.30 pm Panel Discussion – Questions and Discussion
10.00 pm Bar and more Discussion
 

Sunday September 24

8.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Dr Pete Moore: Ethical Issues in the Public Mind
10.00 am Questions and Discussion
10.30 am Coffee Break
11.00 am Prof. Derek Burke: Ethics in Public Policy
12.00 pm Questions and Discussion
1.00 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Prof. David Cook: Bioethics in the Media and Public Policy
3.00 pm Questions and Discussion
3.30 pm Tea Break
4.00 pm Concluding Remarks
4.30 pm Depart