While sometimes there are two clear-cut sides to an argument, even in the most controversial of subjects it is often the case that there is also a middle ground. No issue is black and white, and having the grey often enriches the debate.

Science Debates called “Our Future Energy” will take place in Azerbaijan on 23 January 2008 at Gafgaz University. The chair Dr. Paddy Regan and four panellists will answer questions and give their views on this topic.

British Council in Azerbaijan would like to take this opportunity to thank Gafgaz University for their partnership of the project.

Science Debates is third component of the “Beautiful Science” project. The project - linking science, education and the arts – ultimately seeks to inspire young people to consider careers in science and encourage young scientists to communicate with the wider public, in an open, comprehensive, inspired and interactive way. It is implemented by the British Council in 9 countries in the South East Europe region: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Romania, Serbia, Turkey and the UK.

It builds on the success of the UK in encouraging wide discussion about the positive role of science. It uses master classes, competitions and interactive events to engage young scientists and the public in discussion of new science.

The other component of the project FameLab – an international competition for science communicators which encourages young scientists to inspire and excite public imagination with a vision of science in the 21st century. FameLab will take place in Azerbaijan in March 2008. For further information on the competition please visit FameLab page.

Dr. Patrick Regan is Course Director of the MSc in Radiation and Environmental Protection provided by the Department of Physics at the University of Surrey, Guildford UK.  He gained his PhD in experimental nuclear structure physics from the University of York in 1991. He is a regular contributor to the general media on radiation protection issues, including numerous interviews on BBC TV and Radio, Sky News, Channel 5, CNN and others.

For detailed programme in Azerbaijan please visit this page starting January 2008 or subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter and we will send you the latest developments.