Charlie Rose Science Series Wraps Up With Episode on 'The Imperative and Promise of Science'

In the final installment, Charlie Rose and co-host Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel laureate and president of Rockefeller University, will focus on "The Imperative and Promise of Science." This panel will explore the roles of science in our society and its impact on our lives. The roundtable discussion will address the potential crisis in science education, scientific innovation, and the role science should play in the 2008 Presidential Election. It will feature scientific leaders who have inspired a new generation of thinkers.

The Charlie Rose Science Series, Episode 13, which is sponsored by Pfizer Inc, will begin airing on April 7, 2008 on more than 200 PBS stations across the country.

"Throughout our science series, I hope we have stimulated our audience's curiosity about science and communicated an understanding of how dramatic our age of discovery is," said Charlie Rose. "Science affects nearly every aspect of our lives. It is a tool for solving problems, both large and small, that enriches our society through discovery and understanding."

Charlie's distinguished guests for the final episode are: Harold Varmus, MD, 1989 Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology and President/CEO, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Lisa Randall, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, Harvard University; and, Bruce Alberts, Ph.D., Past President, National Academy of Sciences, Biochemist, University of California at San Francisco, and Editor-in-Chief of Science Magazine.

Science continues to hold the key to many of the fascinating aspects of humanity. From dinosaurs to space travel, mankind's ability to discover and fully explore natural phenomena is a direct result of scientific innovation and understanding.

The countless scientific achievements made in the 20th century have enriched the world. Experts have called this century an age of science -- life expectancy nearly doubled; biology helped discover how humans, plants and animals came to be on this planet; the great achievements in physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity have transformed the way that people view the universe.

"Science is the most reliable way we have of gaining knowledge about the world," noted Dr. Nurse. "With that knowledge, we can improve our standard of living, improve our health, create new industries, and protect our environment. Providing information about science through accessible programs like Charlie Rose is a good step in this process. I am delighted to have been involved with this effort and am pleased that Pfizer promoted and supported the Science Series."

"As one of the global leaders that conducts cutting edge research to develop new medicines, we understand the importance of cultivating the next generation of scientists who can build on the science that has resulted to date," said Joseph P. Hammang, Ph.D., Senior Director, Science Policy and Public Affairs-Pfizer Global Research and Development. "At Pfizer, we recognize our responsibility to develop and nurture scientific innovation and research. We believe our Charlie Rose Science Series has fostered a positive public dialogue on science that will lead to increased interest in the importance of continued investment in scientific discovery."

Pfizer's support for the Charlie Rose Science Series and its exploration of advances in scientific research, their contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and how these breakthroughs may be applied to improving human health is part of Pfizer's commitment to expanding scientific understanding.

"Pfizer's recognition of the importance and relevance of science to our daily lives is crucial in the efforts to engage the public in the scientific process," said Charlie Rose. "Through its support the past year, we were able to bring the wonders of science to our audience. We hope that the company's commitment to exploring science will continue to lead to groundbreaking discoveries and attract a new generation of scientists."

Past episodes of the Charlie Rose Science Series have explored research that has led to a better understanding of the human brain; the discovery and mapping of human DNA; new insights into longevity and the body's aging mechanisms; an in-depth look at cancer, the latest advances in stem cell research; the problem of obesity in the American population, especially among children and teenagers; the continually growing problem of HIV/AIDS worldwide; the prevention, treatment, and global understanding of cardiovascular disease; emerging threats to global health and the search for effective treatments for diseases of the developing world; human sexuality and sexual health; and diseases of the brain.

For more information about the Charlie Rose Science Series or to watch clips from past episodes, please visit http://www.charlierose.com or http://www.pfizer.com/scienceseries.

SOURCE Charlie Rose

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