2027 Scientists Network
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The European Science Network is committed to two main purposes: (1) Increase the praise of God the Creator-Saviour through what humans study and know in His creation (Col 1:16) and (2) Put scientific findings in the context of His Word so that what we know about His creation will not obfuscate our knowledge of Himself (2 Cor 10:5).
In order to achieve its purposes, the European Science Network is geared to serve two kinds of audiences: (1) Scientists and Christians interested in science will obtain the knowledge, language, and courage to do science and speak about science within the framework of a Bible-informed Christian understanding of the cosmos. (2) Christians of all backgrounds will be helped to understand and interact with scientific findings and claims in a way that is truly apologetic, integrating scientific facts into the Christian worldview in an affirmative, active way rather than only defensively and reactively. At the same time, the demarcation lines will be demonstrated between scientific facts and their interpretation by naturalistic vs. Christian worldviews. We do not shy away from sensitive subjects like the evolution debate and ethical implications, engaging in constructive, respectful discussions.
What Network Participants Are Saying
- "As a Christian and biochemist, I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to meet fellow scientists and benefit from biblical view on science. In my home, I have never met a fellow scientist who is a believer. Your generosity allowed me to meet and form new friendships in this field."
- Rahela Petrovcic, student, M. Sc. biochemistry, Slovenia - "Attending the Forum’s Scientists Network was an incredibly enriching experience, one that has broadened my horizons and expanded my knowledge in ways I could not have imagined. It has also had a profound impact on my personal and spiritual growth. The opportunity to interact with amazing professionals, researchers, and experts in the field of science has been invaluable. The Forum has provided a platform for me to learn about the latest advances, emerging trends, and cutting edge research on intelligent design, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience, all linked to God. The insights and knowledge I’ve gained will shape my future endeavors and enhance my contribution to my field."
- Dana Stanciu, Pharmacy Resident and PhD Student, Romania - "First, I am inspired by the example of other scientists who are part of the Forum’s Scientists Network. My motivation is strengthened and I am encouraged to continue to improve in my own work. The lectures and workshops provide great content and help keep my knowledge up to date. Finally, I have access to valuable resources like books and mentoring throughout the year."
- Ilona Simon, Assistant Professor, Hungary
Applicants should be involved in full-time scientific work or have a strong interest and background in the integration of science and Christianity. This Network will be led by Alexander Fink, Director of the Institute for Faith and Science, and Peter Imming, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Germany.
Note: Participants are strongly encouraged to view the talk "The 7 Best Arguments from Science for the Existence of God for Everybody to Understand" and to read the book “Cosmic Chemistry” by Prof. John Lennox. These give an introduction to some basic convictions the Scientists Network has and which cannot be presented every year.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Alexander Fink is Director of the Institute for Faith and Science (Institut für Glaube und Wissenschaft) in Marburg, Germany (www.iguw.de). He studied physics at Bayreuth and St. Andrews (UK) universities and received his PhD at the Institute for Biophysics at… Read more
Peter Imming received degrees in pharmacy and chemistry and a PhD and venia legendi in pharmaceutical chemistry from a German university. He has been involved in drug chemistry teaching and research in Germany, the UK, China, and other countries. Currently, he is professor in the faculty of… Read more
Dr Jani is a senior Consultant Head Neck Surgeon, having worked at Cambridge University Hospital for over thirty years. Since his retirement from his NHS practice he has taken on a role of lecturing, demonstrating and supervising medical students. He continues to remain active in research… Read more
Dr Gordon Macdonald is the Chief Executive of the Care Not Killing Alliance, a campaign based in the UK which opposes the legalisation of assisted suicide and euthanasia and promotes palliative care. He has served in this role since April 2019. Prior to that, Gordon was the Scottish Policy… Read more
Peter Saunders was born in New Zealand and originally trained as a General Surgeon, before serving with the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya and completing two years mission training at All Nations Christian College in the UK. Since 1992 he has worked in full-time Christian ministry first with… Read more
Trevor Stammers was a GP for 30 years before becoming Associate Professor of Bioethics and Medical Law and Director of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET) at St Mary’s University until 2021. He was Editor of The… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 23 May
Ethical considerations have become important if not decisive in science. Research funders such as the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the European Commission (EC) in its Horizon programme define "the ethical dimension [as] an integral part of research from beginning to end" (EC). Honesty, fairness, equality, sustainability and other virtues are deemed essential in all scientific work including publishing and relationships. Ethics commissions and panels no longer exist in clinical settings only. The talk will present ethical values in science that are held inalienable, how much they are based on Christian ethics and where they differ. The talk will also argue that the loss of the Christian basis is leading to an unmanageable number of detailed rules ("bureaucracy"), disorientation and the inability to deal with humanly unavoidable mistakes and guilt. A scientific ethic will be outlined that is based on human dignity which is based on a Biblical perspective of humans (cf. Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Cultural shift throughout Europe has led to the Christian worldview and Judeo-Christian values being jettisoned and a secular humanist worldview and values increasingly imposed. The toxic cocktail of scientific materialism, consumerism, moral relativism and radical autonomy, in denying the authority of the Bible and the principle of imago dei has opened the lid of a Pandora’s box of new biotechnologies and propelled us to a path embracing abortion, embryo research and euthanasia. In responding to this Christians need to be able first to critique secular ethical frameworks based on duties (Kant), consequences (Mill) and virtues (Plato), identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Next, we need to develop and articulate a genuinely evangelical framework earthed in biblical principles, duties and outcomes and rooted in the character of God.
Monday, 24 May
This session will explore some of the new scientific advances at either end of life and the ethical and spiritual issues associated with them. New advances at the initiation of human life include stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs), ‘same sex reproduction’ and ectogestation. End of life dilemmas include increasing uncertainties about brain death diagnosis, disputes around the dead donor rule, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and reversal of ageing in cells.
The western society continues to drift further away from the traditional Judeo-Christian foundations of what a flourishing life is. In addition, there have been significant medical and technological advances in the recent years which raise new ethical dilemmas. This talk will review the Christian framework that evaluates healthcare decisions through the lens of Christian theology and scripture.
Tuesday, 25 May
The discovery of CRISPR gene editing in 2012 was a major advance in the treatment of genetic disorders. The technique has already led to cures for several conditions including leukaemia, thalassemia and more recently, sickle cell disease. However, the editing of twin embryos in China in 2018 to make them more resistant to HIV infection, led to widespread concern and a moratorium on further germline editing is currently in effect until 2035. This session will explore both the promise and peril of human gene editing including its potential for widening inequality.
In European and other Western countries, it has become more prominent for Christian ethics to be marginalised in public policy as part of a secularist agenda. Despite this, opportunities remain for constructive Christian advocacy and engagement in public policy formation and wider public discourse. There is an urgent need for Christian leaders and professionals to challenge the prevailing atheistic, materialist, and secularist narrative. This session will explore the biblical mandate for Government as well as how Christians should respond when secular authorities fail to fulfil that mandate in an appropriate manner. It will critique the engagement of Evangelical Christians with the state and explore how to find the right balance between maintaining a distinctive voice and working collaboratively with the Government and within public agencies to promote the common good. Finally, it explores the boundaries for Christian professionals seeking to fulfil their vocation amid legislation and policies which conflict with Christian ethics.
Wednesday, 26 May
After many inspiring talks in our network, we want to invite the speakers for a concluding panel, give a possibility for clarification of their positions, find commonalities and differences in their approaches, and especially figure out where our own contribution is needed and what it could look like.
The last session together will focus on what we have learned this week and how to apply it in our contexts. Participants will have an opportunity to share their thoughts with others for encouragement and feedback. This session will bring together the key points that have emerged across the four days with some curated time that will help embed key learnings at an individual and group level.