Veteran scientist Professor Mike Bruton's lecture at Scifest will respond to the global trend of questioning the value of science
Scientists insist that everything must be questioned — and the very existence of science is not immune to this inquiry. It is only fitting that at Scifest Africa, an annual celebration of the sciences, someone comes forward to question the rationale of the event.
At Scifest Africa’s 21st anniversary, longtime scientist Professor Mike Bruton will present a lecture in which he asks the question, “Why is science important?”
A new science paper is published roughly every 20 seconds according to the authoritative US magazine, Science. Put another way, the academic production of all the science papers in the entire year of 1880 is equal to about seven-and-a-half hours of production today.
This means that the amount of scientific research being done currently far exceeds the imagination or comprehension of any one individual. There is a lot of science out there and it is making our food more nutritious, our medication more effective, our smartphones more powerful and our transport system more fuel-efficient. Yet with all this science improving our lives dramatically from year to year, a paradoxical upwelling of resistance against science appears to be gathering momentum.
Science is under fire around the world as some are questioning the value of science and of science-based products. Significant scientific advances in genetic engineering, childhood immunisations and are being challenged, as are evolution and global warming.
Bruton, who has been doing scientific research, teaching science and objecting to the status quo since childhood, recently had experiences in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia that made him realise that a country can be technologically advanced yet scientifically bankrupt. He argues that we cannot afford to have a situation in which society undervalues science, and that it not only provides the basic tools for society to understand constructed and natural environments, but also provides the theoretical framework for the development of new technologies that allow us to improve our standards of living and live more sustainably.
Based on his experience carrying out scientific research and teaching science in societies that value science and those that don’t, Bruton presents a strong argument for society to appreciate the value of science and the benefits that it brings to all the inhabitants of the planet. His lecture will go from questioning the importance of science to showing his audience how the scientific method also provides society with an objective way of thinking and problem-solving that is useful in all walks of life.
There is a range of lectures, workshop and exhibitions that illustrate the importance of science for both science lovers and non-believers. For a fun, interactive and educational experience for everyone look out for the electronic programme available at www.scifest.org.za. Ticket bookings can be made at www.tickethut.co.za/scifes or for telephonic bookings contact 08600002004