Alfred Russel Wallace, the somewhat neglected co-discoverer of evolution, steps into the limelight this year with a series of UK events marking the centenary of his death. Unlike the reserved and scholarly Darwin, Wallace was a campaigning socialist and spiritualist, as well as an intrepid adventurer whose wildlife collections still impress today. The Wallace100 lecture programme begins on 7th February at the Natural History Museum, with a homage by geneticist Steve Jones (www.nhm.ac.uk/wallace100).
The UN set a date of 2015 for achieving its Millennium Development Goals; a four-month global consultation on its next goals closes this month. Given that the first round of MDGs focused on the basics, like improving access to clean water, and half have been ticked off, future health targets might now address quality of life.
The Cambridge Science Centre opens this month, the first of its kind in this city that has delivered so many scientific breakthroughs. The interactive space is targeted at younger folk but hopes to attract a few of the 4m tourists that head to the city every year (www.cambridgesciencecentre.org).
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is offering an unusual Valentine’s event. Couples will get to look through a 28-inch telescope and learn about the night sky. Tickets cost £28; book swiftly at www.rmg.co.uk.
The UN set a date of 2015 for achieving its Millennium Development Goals; a four-month global consultation on its next goals closes this month. Given that the first round of MDGs focused on the basics, like improving access to clean water, and half have been ticked off, future health targets might now address quality of life.
The Cambridge Science Centre opens this month, the first of its kind in this city that has delivered so many scientific breakthroughs. The interactive space is targeted at younger folk but hopes to attract a few of the 4m tourists that head to the city every year (www.cambridgesciencecentre.org).
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is offering an unusual Valentine’s event. Couples will get to look through a 28-inch telescope and learn about the night sky. Tickets cost £28; book swiftly at www.rmg.co.uk.
