AAM and TRT to co-produce a television program on Darwin and religion

America Abroad Media (AAM) is partnering with Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) to produce a special television program called “Asking the Hard Questions."

This program, taped in conjunction with a Darwin anniversary symposium in Instanbul, Turkey will enhance science education and enhance understanding of the relationship between science and religion. Leading scholars will address the tough questions about the relationship between Darwinism, religion and modernity. Audience members will have an opportunity to participate and ask questions.

“Producing this program in Turkey, where science and religion is a sensitive issue provides a unique opportunity to facilitate an informed debate and a free exchange of ideas that will deepen public understanding of Darwinism,” says Aaron Lobel, President of AAM.

Hosted by TRT’s leading anchor, Mithat Bereket, the panelists include:

•    Francisco Ayala, professor of biological sciences, ecology & evolutionary biology at the University of California at Irvine.  He has published extensively on the molecular aspects of evolution.

•    Simon Conway Morris, professor of palaeobiology at Cambridge University, focusing his research on the early evolution of the metazoans.  He has received numerous awards and medals and is an expert commentator for BBC TV and Radio.

•    Ergi Deniz Ozsoy, associate professor of Biology at Hacettepe University, Ankara, where he researches evolutionary mechanisms using Drosophila as a model system.  He is widely involved in the public understanding of evolution.

•    Asli Tolun, professor of molecular biology and genetics at Bogazici University.  She specializes in the identification of disease genes and population genetics.

This program will broadcast nationwide on TRT and around the world on TRT International.