Telling the story of how and why Charles Darwin came to be known as the father of biology is at the heart of exhibition to be hosted in Brussels at Foundation Week (31 May – 4 June 2010). Hosted by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian and curated by Professor José Feijó (University of Lisbon/Gulbenkian Science Institute), the exhibition commemorates 200 years since Darwin’s birth and 150 years since the publication of “On the Origin of Species”, taking visitors both young and old through key milestones of Darwin’s life that were to shape his theory on evolution and natural selection.

In 1831, after completing his studies at Cambridge University, Darwin had the opportunity to take part in a scientific survey of South America. This turned into a five-year voyage on the ship HMS Beagle that sailed right around the world – stopping at many places of interest including the Galapagos islands and Australia. The young Darwin made the most of every chance to record detailed observations of the various animals and plants he encountered along the way.

The exhibition brings to life Darwin’s career with a myriad of artefacts from his trip on the Beagle and return to London where he catalogued the specimens he observed. In addition to providing great insight into how Darwin’s scientific mind worked, the exhibition also throws light on more personal aspects of his life with his wife and 10 children.

The legacy of Darwin is far-reaching and the exhibition finishes by exploring his impact on modern biology, especially genetics. The theories that Darwin expounded continue to be the subject of fervent debate, not least because of their pertinence to major questions of religious significance. “In this new century, so full of questions, it is pertinent and healthy to remember Darwin’s examples and the serene, persistent and well grounded way in which he opened new paths to understanding our world and ourselves,” says Emílio Rui Vilar, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

The exhibition, which is part of the foundation’s overall science programme, has been developed with the aim of helping to bridge the gap between science and society. “Public awareness and engagement in science is a big part of our programme and we have the duty to stage exhibitions so that people have not only time to see, observe, and get informed, but to contemplate and reflect about what these big ideas have brought to us,” explains João Caraça, Director of Science at the foundation. First hosted in Lisbon, the exhibition has travelled to Madrid, Granada and Paris.

For more information about this event and others at Foundation Week, visit

www.efc.be/foundationweek

http://www.gulbenkian.pt/darwin/home1.html