In celebration of Darwin’s 200th birthday and his remarkable legacy in the 21st century, our Darwin Now project brings together an innovative series of global events and initiatives throughout 2009.

Darwin Now Exhibit

The Darwin Now exhibit explores Darwin’s life, his ground-breaking theory, and his theory’s relevancy in the 21st century. Examining the importance of the theory of evolution to the contemporary world and modern science, the exhibit explores reactions and highlights the work of several UK-based researchers who are pushing the boundaries of evolutionary science. The exhibit also explores how advances in fields as diverse as geology and economics influenced Darwin’s thinking.

February - May

In February 2009, the exhibit launched its year-long US tour in Chicago at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting and at the Harold Washington Library Center, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Listen to the BBC's Science in Action program, reporting from the British Council Darwin panel at the AAAS meeting.

June - July: San Diego Natural History Museum

August - September: San Diego State University’s Library

October - December: Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library, Howard University

International Student Summit 2009

The British Council, in partnership with the Natural History Museum in London, will again be holding an International Student Summit this summer. Over three days, high school students from around the world will speak with renowned scientists about Darwin and evolutionary science, reflecting the influential legacy and far-reaching scope of Charles Darwin’s theories and work. The British Council will be bringing over 60 students from 20 countries around the world to participate in the event. US participants will be selected from Chicago-area high schools.

Alexandria Conference

In partnership with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the British Council will host a three-day international conference on evolution and society in Alexandria, Egypt, in November 2009. It will cover wide-ranging topics, from the latest developments in evolutionary science to the relationship between faith, science and society.

For more information about Darwin Now events around the world, please visit the global Darwin Now website.