Royal Scottish Society of Arts Lecture
Opening Event of the Ninth Edinburgh International Science Festival

Science and Humanity in the Nuclear Age


Professor Joseph Rotblat, FRS
Emeritus Professor of Physics, University of London,
President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs
and
Winner of the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize

Science plays a powerful role in the life of modern society: the destiny of the whole of humankind may hinge on the results of scientific research. This has become evident with the advent of the nuclear age when for the first time in history we acquired the technical means to destroy the human race in a single act.

On the other hand, science has the potential to bring enormous benefits to humankind: better health; greater prosperity; more opportunities for cultural enrichment. The choice between the two facets of science can be obvious. But how can we ensure that the right choice will be made?

Professor Rotblat worked as a nuclear physicist in Warsaw and Liverpool and then in the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. However, he resigned in 1944, before the bomb was tested, and has since been a tireless campaigner for nuclear disarmament. In 1957 he helped set up the influential Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs in which he has played a leading role, and of which he is now President. The importance of his contribution was acknowledged in the award of the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize.


Interested members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting will take place in the Royal Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street at 7pm.

Entry is by ticket only, available by post from the Science Festival, 149 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LS, by telephone after 3 March on (0131) 220 6220, or by personal application after 17 March at the Box Office, Royal Museum of Scotland

SIXTH MEETING of the ONE-HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIXTH SESSION of the RSSA
For further information about the RSSA, which normally meets on the first Or second Monday of the month (October to April) at the Royal Medical Society, Bristo Square, contact Dr AD C Simpson, National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF