Agency celebrates science
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Come and see the Agency in action at one of Europe’s largest science events, the BA Festival, next month in Liverpool. This will be the first time the Agency has been involved in this event and we will be both taking part in expert panel debates and running our own event to highlight our scientific work.
Launching his annual report will be the Agency's Chief Scientist Andrew Wadge, who will be explaining the science behind the headlines of all those food stories, sharing the latest FSA scientific research and dispelling some of the myths surrounding food scares. Given the success of Andrew’s blog we anticipate a full house, so if you're interested in seeing Andrew in action book your place now.
The BA Festival is a week-long event running from 6 to 11 September celebrating science, engineering and technology. You can come along to debate current issues, experience street theatre and enjoy plenty of hands-on fun. Agency staff will also be taking part in expert panel debates with genetically modified (GM) food and obesity two of the hot scientific topics expected to attract a large audience.
The festival promises to attract around 400 of the best scientists and science communicators from home and abroad. The Agency has events taking place all week so come along and find out everything you need to know about food from the experts.
The FSA programme of events is as follows:
Sunday 7 September 6.30 – 8pm: The GR8 GM DB8 2008
The FSA programme of events kicks off with the topical but controversial subject of GM food. The expert panel, including FSA Chief Executive, Tim Smith, are certain to have a heated debate as they consider whether GM has a new future in the UK in a climate of rocketing food prices and the threat of famine facing some areas of the world.
Monday 8 September 9.15 – 1pm: Fat of the Land or Land of the Fat
Obesity is the next hot topic on the agenda and Gill Fine, FSA Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health, debates with other leading experts, some of the issues surrounding obesity and whether it is down to scientific fact, greed or denial.
Tuesday 9 September 9.30 – 11.30 am: What are you Being Served? How the Science Underpinning Policy Arrives on Your Plate
Guardian Science Correspondent, Alok Jha, and Gill Fine join a panel of experts to discuss government policy surrounding food issues and the science underpinning food policies. Some of the issues to be discussed include: Are you eating a healthy diet, how do you know? How does Government policy affect what we eat?
Thursday 11 September 2pm – 4pm: Dispelling the Myths: The Truth About Science and Food
Launch of FSA Chief Scientist Annual Report
The highlight of the FSA programme is Chief Scientist Andrew Wadge's annual report. The latest food facts and figures will be at his fingertips so be prepared to pit your wits and challenge him in this interactive afternoon.
To join us at any of these events you can book your place by following the link to the BA festival website at the link below. Places are limited so please book as early as possible. We look forward to seeing you there.