Sir George Porter , President of the Royal Society and Nobel Prizewinner, gives the 16th in this series of annual lectures before an invited audience at the Royal Institution, 'the repertory theatre of science', in London.
Knowledge Itself Is Power Sir George argues that in Britain today the pursuit of knowledge has been downgraded in deference to the pursuit of affluence. This could impoverish everyone. 'For over three centuries
Britain played a leading role in the scientific revolution that has changed our lives.
The revolution will continue but we shall not be part of it, if by pursuing only short-term goals, we forfeit the science base that makes it all possible.'
Sir George makes his own proposals for the future of British science, a future on which our civilisation depends. Introduced by Bill Cotton , OBE
Managing Director of BBC Television
Director PIETER MORPURGO Producer HUGH PURCELL