“Science Communication, Islam and Muslim Communities”

A Lecture on Muslim Perceptions of Science by Stephen H. Jones

Date: June 29, 2023 @18:30 – 20:00 (BST)

Venue: Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RS, UK

A lecture on Muslim perceptions of science hosted by the Institute for STEMM in Culture and Society (ISTEMMiCS) and the Science and Technology Cluster in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Policy, University of Birmingham.

While there have long been lively discussions about gender and racial inclusiveness in science communication, Muslims, one of the UK’s most marginalized populations, have largely been ignored. This is despite Muslims being a group whose members are often described as being especially resistant to science, with news media regularly claiming they stand in opposition to everything from evolution to COVID regulations.

In this public lecture, Stephen H. Jones will use a range of data to look at what British Muslims really think about science and at the question of whether, and how, science communicators should engage Muslim members of the public. Drawing on a new research project hosted at the University of Birmingham, ‘Science and British Muslim Religious Leadership’, the lecture will offer particular insight into Islamic authorities’ role in arguing for and against scientific theories and how they approach issues such as human origins, organ donation, and engaging with secular society.

About the Speaker

Stephen H. Jones is a sociologist whose research covers themes including equality and discrimination, governance and political participation, religion in public life and the public understanding of science. He specializes in the study of Muslims in the UK and their treatment by British society and the state, with his research in this area encompassing Islamic organizations and movements, governance and securitization, and Islamophobia. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham. He was General Secretary of the Muslims in Britain Research Network between 2017 and 2020.

This lecture is free to attend. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please do not sign up unless you are certain to attend in person, as space is limited.

More information and registration via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/