“Darwin, Wallace, and Evolution: Celebrating a major paradigm shift in science”
The year 2009 is the bicentennial of Darwin’s birthday, and 150th anniversary of the publication of his book “The Origin of Species”. Darwin’s theory of evolution is one of the major breakthroughs in the history of science and it is now generally accepted that “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” (Dobzhansky).
Unfortunately, the contributions of another important British scientist, Alfred Russel Wallace, are less appreciated. Wallace had independently of Darwin developed a theory of natural selection and described his findings in a letter to Darwin in 1858. It was this letter that initiated the publication of “The Origin of Species” in 1859. Wallace conducted much of his research in Southeast Asia and collected biodiversity specimens throughout the region (including Bukit Timah Hill).
In celebration of these contributions, the Department of Biological Sciences will host this “Darwin, Wallace, and Evolution” public event and invite two prominent speakers – Dr. John van Wyhe from Cambridge University and Prof. Naomi Pierce from Harvard University will cover the historical aspects and illustrate how evolutionary theory is used in modern research.
“Darwin and Wallace 150 years on” by John van Wyhe
and
"From Darwin to DNA: Evolution of blue butterflies and ants” by By Naomi Pierce
This event is presented by the Department of Biological Sciences as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations.
More details on The Biodiversity crew @ NUS blog with update here.
Register at http://darwinwallace.rafflesmuseum.net
Time: 6:30pm, a buffet dinner will be served at 8.30pm.
Venue: Lecture Theatre 26, Science Drive 1 Faculty of Science NUS. If you are driving, park at carpark 10 (CP10), as car park 9 is closed for construction. Please enter along Science Drive 1, and cut across the canteen
Website and registration: http://darwinwallace.rafflesmuseum.net
