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She will consider issues surrounding the awareness and ignorance of science, and the consequences that these can have.

Science, she will argue, touches everyone whether they like it or not, but knowledge of it is patchy – not only among the general public but also key influencers such as politicians and journalists. Controversies surrounding GM foods, nuclear power, the MMR vaccine and BSE highlight the consequences that misinformation and misunderstanding can have.

̽��ֱ��lecture will also consider ways in which the communication and understanding of science might be improved, suggesting that responsibility lies jointly with scientists (who may have to work harder to explain their work) and others with power and influence who need to engage with and listen to the evidence.

Professor Donald – Professor of Experimental Physics at the ̽��ֱ�� and Director of the Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative – joins a long line of illustrious speakers who have delivered the Henry Sidgwick Memorial Lecture, which honours the main founder of Newnham College. ̽��ֱ��first was given on 29 November 1901 by the Right Hon. James Bryce. More recent lecturers have included Professor Bernard Williams, Dr Richard Dawkins, AS Byatt and Shami Chakrabarti.

Professor Donald, pictured,��said: “Because developments in science touch every one of us every day it is not sufficient to say, ‘I don’t understand it’, or ‘I don’t like it’. Each of us has to take responsibility for communicating and listening. As a scientist I must talk about what I do accessibly, the media need to present it fairly and politicians need to consider its evidence wisely – even if the realpolitik means they choose to ignore it. Finally, members of the public need to engage so they too can make wise decisions for themselves and their families.”

̽��ֱ��lecture, which is free and does not require booking, starts at 5.30pm on the 20th May in theatre LG18, Faculty of Law, West Road, Cambridge. All are welcome.