darwin at 150

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Darwin: Still controversial after all these years

14:01 12 February 2008

NewScientist.com news service

Colin Barras

 

 

Darwin Today

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.

 

The website will concentrate on a different academic field inspired by

evolutionary theory each month, beginning with the social sciences and

economics. " Researchers are very keen to spread the message about

Darwin's work, " says Middleton. " It's applicable to modern life

itself. "

 

But the research councils may be in for a tough fight to convince

Darwin's detractors - as Kevin Padian at the University of California

at Berkeley noted last week, there are still sections of society that

blame Darwinism for society's perceived ills.

 

Evolution - Learn more about the struggle to survive in our

comprehensive special report.

 

 

 

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Confucius