Opening “Darwin’s Living Legacy” Conference at the BA
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Alexandria— “Darwin's Living Legacy: An International Conference on Evolution and Society” was inaugurated on Saturday, 14 November 2009. The Conference is organized by the BA Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP), in cooperation with the British Council from 14 to 16 November 2009, with the participation of 120 Academics from 30 different countries.
The Opening began with a speech by Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, who stated that the Conference comes in line with the celebrations of 75 years since the establishment of the British Council in Egypt back in 1934. He added that the importance of this Conference lies in building bridges of mutual understanding and cultural exchange between different cultures.
Randal Keynes, a descendant of Charles Darwin, and a Writer who shed lights on his grandfather’s achievements and contributions, asserted the importance of differentiating between religious and scientific discourse when dealing with Darwin’s works.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, gave a key note speech, in which he spoke about the importance of Darwin and his works until now, and the controversies arising from his theories. Serageldin explained that Darwin did not say human beings evolved from apes, however, his theory of evolution stated that apes and humans descend from the same origin.
“Darwin’s Living Legacy” hosts world renowned academic speakers from over 30 countries, who explore the role of the evolutionary science in a range of areas including medicine, agriculture, biodiversity and environment. The Conference has a special program strand dedicated to young researchers, providing access to many of the renowned international academics and their work throughout the three-day conference. An exhibition of the life and works of Charles Darwin will be also open to public.
“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” project.
For more information about the Conference and its program, please visit www.bibalex.org/cssp or www.britishcouncil.org/Darwin