One of the foremost authorities on Mobile Phones is to chair an event to hear what young people think of the controversial technology. Senior secondary school pupils are to debate the medical, technical, sociological and ethical issues of mobile phones with a panel of Scottish experts, chaired by Sir William Stewart, author of the highly regarded independent report on the safety of mobile phones. The Conference, Is it Good to Talk? which will allow S5 and S6 pupils to call the shots on the control and development of mobile phones and masts, is jointly organised by the BA (The British Association for the Advancement of Science) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), The proposals that come out of the conference will be sent to the Scottish Parliament, Westminster and other key decision-making bodies, and are expected to inform future policy development. The report will be one in a series of the BA’s Visions for the Future programme. The event is being held at The University of Glasgow’s Kelvin Building on Monday, June 18th, 2001.

Sir William Stewart, President of both the BA & RSE said:

This event aims to create a dynamic dialogue about the issues involved in the mobile phones debate. Young people are among the main users of mobile phones, and it is essential that they have as much information as possible to decide how they want the technology to be developed and managed in the future. I’m very much looking forward to hearing the views of these young adults.

Speakers will include:

Dr Dick Lerski, Head of Medical Physics, University of Dundee - Medical implications - how safe?
Dr James Irvine, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Strathclyde University – How mobile phones work
Mr John Fellows, Glasgow Caledonian University & Government’s Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones – Public Concerns & Sociological Aspects

The event forms part of a programme co-ordinated by the BA and the RSE’s programme which aims to inspire and develop within our young people an interest in science, society and culture.
The BA promotes understanding and development of science, engineering and technology throughout the UK and illuminates their contribution to cultural, economic and social life. Established in 1831, the BA is a unique nationwide organisation dedicated to the communication of science which brings together scientists, industry, the media and the public. The BA is Registered charity no: 2012479

Information about the BA can be found on its website at: http://www.britassoc.org.uk