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 Education for Nonscientists at
Banbury Center
Among the most influential
meetings held at Banbury Center were those funded by
the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for workshops on
biomedical research for Congressional staff and
science journalists. In 1996, the Federal Judicial
Center in Washington, D.C. brought federal and state
judges to Banbury to learn about many aspects of
science in the courtroom. Topics ranged from the
history and philosophy of scientific practice to
issues of direct application, such as the use of
statistical evidence and how courts understand risk
assessment. Genetics was not neglected, with talks on
eugenics, genetics, and social implications of the
Human Genome Project. One issue that was raised
repeatedly concerned expert witnesses and how to
establish their credibility in litigation where fees
for testimony speak very loudly.
In November, the Banbury Center
hosted a workshop for science journalists similar in
format to previous meetings funded by the Sloan
Foundation. This time supported by funds from the
Lab's Department of Public Affairs, the title of the
meeting was Genetics of Human Behavior. Talks
addressed genetic factors involved in such
"behavioral" issues as alcoholism,
homosexuality, aggressive behavior, and learning and
memory. The meeting was a stimulating and educational
experience for more than 20 science writers.
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