Science and society

Talking science
European Science and Technology Week:
an event designed to bring the public - and
especially young people - closer to science.

Interview

Returning science to society
What can be done to increase the standing of
research in our fast-changing societies? How to
widen the democratic debate on the implications
of science? The views of Philippe Busquin,
European Commissioner responsible for research.

Seven projects for Week 2000

Leafon

Nature, a breeding ground for science
The first in a series of films aimed at the public in
general and teachers in particular, 'Inspired by
Nature' presents the relationship between natural
phenomena and scientific progress.

Physics on stage

A celebration of physics
Physics is fascinating. So why aren't more people
interested in it? The symbolic CERN site in Geneva was the venue for a series of lively debates on the subject.

EPOS

Journey to the heart of the sun
Five teams of young people study aspects of our
knowledge of the sun, resulting in an original
scientific exhibition and a demonstration of
European cooperation, from age 12.

Maths in action

When maths comes out of the shadows
An original poster campaign highlighted the
importance of maths in everyday life.

Mathematics and non-mathematicians
A meeting with Timothy Gowers, winner of
the Fields Medal in 1998.

Radioactivity, a facet of nature

The radiating heart of the matter
How to explain a phenomenon as complex and
'familiar' as radioactivity? Presented in Paris,
Wiesbaden, and Milan, the 'Radioactivity, a facet
of nature' exhibition represents a remarkable
success in popularising science.

GEOD Days

The genome: neither angel nor devil
In Milan, Barcelona, Heidelberg, London and
Brussels, the European Genetics Foundation
organised debates on a pertinent scientific
question: genome research.

Eurovisions for the futur

On the panel: those who shall inherit the earth
In Reading (UK), three experts presented the
problem of climate change to a group of young
students. It was then their turn to speak and set
our their own proposals.

European award

'Descartes' makes its debut
The first Descartes Prize was awarded to three
European research teams combining scientific
excellence with a team spirit.