DEMOS

Biology and politics are converging. Rapid advances in the life sciences are intensifying public and policy debates about genetic modification, cloning, stem cells and human enhancement. Less noticed, but no less important, are the rifts that have opened up between different countries about the right way to govern innovation in genetics and biotechnology.

Sheila Jasanoff is the Pforzheimer Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Harvard University. In Designs on Nature, she provides a compelling account of the politics of the life sciences in Britain, Germany and the United States. At this special event to mark the book�s publication in Europe, Sheila Jasanoff will give a keynote lecture outlining its central themes. This will be followed by a panel discussion with:
�Malcolm Grant, President & Provost, University College London
�Philip Campbell, Editor-in-Chief, Nature
�Steve Rayner, Director, ESRC Science in Society Programme

The afternoon will be devoted to discussion of a new Demos pamphlet, 'The Public Value of Science', which builds on last year�s 'See-through Science', to explore how public engagement can be more closely aligned with the economic and social case for science. Participants will include:
�Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive, Medical Research Council
�Sir Roland Jackson, Chief Executive, The BA
�Professor Kathy Sykes, Bristol University
�Brian Wynne, Professor of Science Studies, Lancaster University

The event takes place from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 13 September 2005 at The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

Demos is pleased to be hosting this event in partnership with: ESRC Science in Society programme; ESRC Sustainable Technologies Programme; OST Sciencewise programme; The British Association for the Advancement of Science; BBSRC; EPSRC; Environment Agency; and Practical Action.

I hope you can join us for what should be a thought-provoking event. RSVP to science@demos.co.uk