The politics of DNA and the story of eugenics with Adam Rutherford | The Royal Society

The speaker begins with an enthusiastic thank you to Sheila and the audience, humorously comparing the acknowledgment to the Oscars. He expresses gratitude to colleagues at UCL for their support and critical feedback over the years. The speaker also acknowledges the vital role of researchers and publishers in the scientific community, playfully suggesting that he has repurposed their research into more accessible books. Special thanks are given to individuals like Mark, Nick, and BBC colleagues, particularly Hannah Fry, for their collaborative efforts. The speaker also highlights the importance of producers and editors in science communication and apologizes for a past scientific inaccuracy regarding the depiction of DNA helix orientation.

The speaker delves into his journey in science communication, aiming to normalize the role of science and scientists in culture. He discusses the evolution of science's presence in media and his personal contributions, including stepping down from a radio program to make way for new talent. The speaker also shares his thoughts on the BBC's role in producing high-quality science and natural history programs, emphasizing the organization's significance despite its challenges. He expresses his readiness to support the next generation of communicators and hints at his own return to academia and book writing.

The speaker recounts his early inspirations, including his father, science fiction, and notable scientists and communicators like Steve Jones and David Attenborough. He shares a personal anecdote about his daughter's interaction with Attenborough, highlighting the influence of media on sparking interest in science. The speaker also discusses his academic journey, from initially studying medicine to becoming an evolutionary biologist, and the role of his PhD supervisors in shaping his scientific career.

The speaker argues that all science is inherently political, as it is conducted by humans with societal biases. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing personal and cultural biases in scientific understanding and testing. Drawing from David Attenborough's work, he discusses how human interaction with nature has been a significant theme in natural history documentaries, reflecting the political nature of environmental issues like climate change.

The speaker explores the origins of biology and eugenics, highlighting the role of Francis Galton in both. He discusses Galton's statistical contributions and his establishment of the Eugenics Records Office, which influenced prominent scientists like Karl Pearson and Ronald Fisher. The speaker also touches on the historical context of eugenics, including its popularity among various political factions and its persistence in scientific thought.

The speaker delves into the societal impact of eugenics, discussing its widespread acceptance and promotion by various influential figures and organizations. He provides examples of eugenics in popular culture, such as Valentine's cards and the views of notable individuals like D.H. Lawrence. The speaker also discusses the close call with eugenics legislation in the UK and its continued presence in the thoughts of scientists like Francis Crick.

The speaker examines the international spread of eugenics, particularly in the United States, where it was embraced through legislation and social policies. He discusses the role of Charles Davenport and the Eugenics Records Office in promoting eugenics, as well as the influence of wealthy benefactors. The speaker also touches on the social context of eugenics, including replacement theory and the involvement of figures like John Harvey Kellogg.

The speaker reveals a eugenics theme in the classic novel 'The Great Gatsby', discussing its reflection of the social context and the influence of eugenics on the American aristocracy of the time. He connects the novel's themes to the real-life figures who funded and supported eugenics, such as the Rockefellers and Mary Harriman.

The speaker criticizes the application of Mendelian inheritance to complex traits and disorders, as exemplified by the work of Herbert Goddard and the case of Deborah Kallikak. He highlights the flawed science behind eugenics, which was based on a misunderstanding of genetics and led to significant social harm.

The speaker discusses the rise of eugenics in Nazi Germany, drawing connections to American eugenics through intellectual, scientific, financial, and legal ties. He describes the influence of Harry Laughlin's eugenics legislation template on Nazi laws and the role of eugenics as a backbone to the Holocaust.

The speaker examines the use of propaganda by the Nazis to manipulate scientific ideas and justify their racial policies. He describes a short film, 'Das Elbe', which attempts to use Darwinian natural selection to support eugenics, leading to the implementation of euthanasia policies and the Holocaust.

In conclusion, the speaker reiterates that science is inherently political and revolutionary, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy and the role of scientists in society. He highlights the moral obligation of scientists to use knowledge for the betterment of society and to reduce suffering, citing Charles Darwin as an example of a scientist with a clear political stance on social issues.

Following the lecture, the speaker engages in a Q&A session, addressing questions about the historical impact of eugenics and its influence on colonial policies, as well as the role of science communication in building an evidence-based society. He emphasizes the importance of scientific literacy and the need to normalize scientific concepts in education to foster a more informed society.