20. 4. 2010: SCIENTISTS AND POLITICIANS, MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE! FORUM SCIENCE IS ALIVE! HAS ORGANISED THE LARGEST PUBLIC DEBATE OF SCIENTISTS AND POLITICIANS TO DATE

“SCIENCE IN SOCIETY – WILL CZECH SCIENCE SURVIVE THE 2010 ELECTIONS?” You can get an answer to this question at a discussion afternoon of the same title, dedicated to the perspectives of Czech science, organised by civic society Forum Science Is Alive! In a unique format of a panel discussion followed by “speed” dates one-on-one, representatives of political parties and prominent Czech scientists will discuss in the presence of the general public. The event will be held on Saturday, 24 April 2010 at 15:00 at the Archa Theatre. The situation of Czech science and research is dire. The discussion afternoon involving scientists, politicians and the general public is one of the ways to improve it. The organisers have two goals. The first is to support communication between scientists, politicians and the public. “The situation in science and higher education is now very strained. We believe that one of the main causes is insufficient communication. So far we have seen very little of factual debate of the parties involved, openness and will to engage in a dialogue”, says Martin Krummholz, chairman of Forum Science Is Alive! The second goal is to create a forum where to consider the future role of Czech science, which is often unjustly underestimated. “Culture and education should be among national interests. This is why adequate attention must be paid to them”, emphasises Martin Krummholz. The discussion afternoon is open to public and journalists. It will be divided into three sections. The first section, titled “Science – Politics – Public”, is organised as a debate of six politicians and six researchers in front of the public. Representatives of political parties (ČSSD, KDU-ČSL, KSČM, ODS, SZ and TOP 09) and prominent scientists from Masaryk University, Charles University and Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic will take part in the debate, which will be moderated by Barbora Kroužková, Czech Public Television editor. The second part, “Tea and Strudel at Five”, will give an opportunity for an informal meeting of the guests and attendees in the foyer of the Archa Theatre. In the concluding section, “Politicians and Scientists, Make Your Acquaintance!”, twelve politicians and twelve scientists will have an opportunity to establish personal contact during short, one-on-one interviews. During the entire duration of the event a photograph exhibit titled “Fruit of Czech Science” will be on display in the foyer of the Archa Theatre. Related information: Invitation and poster for download: www.vedazije.cz/veda_ve_spolecnosti List of participants in the 6 x 6 x audience debate: www.vedazije.cz/veda-politika-verejnost List of speed dating participants: www.vedazije.cz/speed_dating Contact for journalists: Michaela Vojtková, tel. 777 068 338, press@vedazije.cz