BBC Launches New Environment Blog

Take a look at the new environment blog, 'Earth Watch', maintained by the BBC website's Environment Correspondent, Richard Black: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/richardblack/

Science Blogging 2008: London, 30 August

Tomorrow (30 August) sees the first conference dedicated to science blogging. 'Science Blogging 2008: London' will be held at the Royal Institution and is jointly organised by the RI, Nature Networks and DIUS.

The conference will bring together science bloggers worldwide to explore issues in science research, science communication, public engagement and education. Participants will explore whether blogging can contribute to scientific research and careers. Can blogs contribute to the public understanding of science? What can science bloggers do to maximise the impact of their blogs?

This is a great chance to meet others blogging about science and learn more about this growing area of science communication.

Find out more about the conference and register on the Science Blogging website.

National Science and Engineering Week 2008

Today sees the launch of National Science and Engineering Week 2008 (7- 16 March). This initiative, funded by DIUS and coordinated by the BA and the Engineering and Technology Board, is an opportunity for all ages to get involved in science and technology activities and to discover the excitement of science.

Ecology-related events taking place around the country include a conference on 'Cutting Edge Research in Ecology and Conservation', at the University of Exeter, and a one-day event at the University of Leicester on advances in understanding of the ecology and behaviour of dinosaurs.

There is an opportunity for the public to ask questions of scientists on anything, however perplexing or confusing, and scientists will then answer these on the 'Big Questions' message board, through the media or through events taking place around the country. Some of the UK's most influential scientists and PM Gordon Brown have also posted questions which they would like other scientists to answer.

Contribute to a 'Big Question'

New Darwin Initiative Launched

The UK Research Councils and 'Darwin 200', a collection of organisations across the UK planning events and activities to celebrate Darwin's 200th birthday in 2009, have today launched a new website which aims to connect Darwin's work and evolutionary research with the public.

2009 marks both the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species.' In preparation, the new website will allow the public to contribute podcasts, vodcasts and pose questions to researchers about evolution. The aim is to find out what the public find fascinating, puzzling or difficult about Darwin's work and evolutionary theory in a modern context. This will allow RCUK to gauge what the public would like to see as part of next year's celebratory events.

Access the new website 'Darwin Today: Celebrating Modern Evolutionary Research'

Blogging Science: 28 February

An event taking place tomorrow night, organised by the Royal Institution, provides the opportunity to meet those contributing to popular science blogs, including Dr Ben Goldacre, behind the Guardian's 'Bad Science' column and blog. 

The bloggers (Dr Ben Goldacre, Dr Jennifer Rohn and Ed Yong) will discuss why they write, what makes a good post and what blogging can do for science. 

Host: The Royal Institution

Time: 7.00 - 8.30pm

Venue: The Apple Store, Regent Street, London

Find out more