Renaissance man of evolutionary biology to speak

Renowned evolutionary biologist Francisco Ayala will hold two presentations at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Engineering Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 26 and 27, titled “Darwin’s Most Significant Discovery: Design Without Designer” and “From Biology to Ethics: the Biological Foundations of Morality,” respectively.

The New York Times once called Ayala “the Renaissance man of Evolutionary Biology” — an apt label for the University of California, Irvine, professor of biological sciences, logic and philosophy. Investigating evolution through the lens of molecular biology, Ayala’s groundbreaking research injected new insight into evolutionary theory, providing a deeper understanding of the origin of species and the pervasiveness of genetic diversity. His work in biology has yielded new modes of treatment and prevention for malaria and Chagas disease, each affecting millions of people around the world. Outside of the laboratory, Ayala has made significant contributions to education, religion and scientific policy. In 2001, he received the National Medal of Science and Sigma Xi’s William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement.

Sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy (WISL), Ayala’s presentations are part of WISL’s “Science and Humanities Creativity Forum,” which examines issues that stretch across a variety of disciplines.

Bassam Shakhashiri, UW–Madison professor of chemistry and director of WISL, has known Ayala for more than 20 years. He says that the Irvine professor is well suited to bridge together what many consider disparate subjects like biology and morality or religion and science.

“Ayala is eminently qualified to speak on the intersection of science and religion; he is a superb scientist and a philosopher. He is an excellent speaker who cares deeply about important societal issues and about communicating with the general public,” says Shakhashiri.