Robert Winston on Curiosity

11.30am, 19 April 2009
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1

Whether searching for God or extraterrestrial intelligence, human beings are instinctively inquisitive. Professor Robert Winston - doctor, scientist, politician and television presenter – knows more than most about how our minds work and, in a sermon that will take us from the Book of Genesis to the Large Hadron Collider, he'll urge us to nurture and advance our natural curiosity.

Robert has always recognised that both science and religion relate to a deep desire to be united with something bigger than ourselves. He'll remind us how easily scientific curiosity has led to misguided certainty, and argue that science – like religion – is at its most dangerous when it loses a sense of doubt. Rather than gloat in the glories of discovery, Robert believes that the more we see the mysteries of our universe the less certain we ought to become. If we really aspire to scientific salvation, we should be motivated by humility and bewilderment to practice a more responsible form of curiosity.

Robert Winston has an international reputation for his research into human reproduction and has pioneered advances widely used in fertility and IVF treatment. He is passionate about popularising science and has made many highly successful television series on science and medicine. He also has written numerous popular science books for both adults and children including Superhuman, Human Instinct, The Human Mind and The Story of God. As a member of the House of Lords he regularly speaks in parliament on science, medicine, education and the arts.

Tickets cost £10.
To book call 020 7833 1010 or e-mail info@theschooloflife.com