Wellcome Trust supports celebrations of Commonwealth Day
9 March 2010
The Wellcome Trust is proud to have supported the event, which was attended by HM The Queen, HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, along with 1000 schoolchildren from around the Commonwealth.
Every year, on the second Monday in March, people all around the Commonwealth get together to celebrate the special partnership of nations, peoples and ideals that makes the Commonwealth unique.
Clare Matterson, Director of Medical Humanities and Engagement at the Wellcome Trust, said: "This year's theme of science, technology and society complements our aim to improve understanding of the ways science and medicine have developed, and how research affects people and society today. We are delighted to have been able to support this event in bringing together and inspiring the scientists of the future, particularly those from developing Commonwealth countries."
During the event, the Queen laid a wreath at the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton, in recognition of the role of scientific achievement in the advancement of societies the world over. The congregation were also treated to a live scientific experiment from the UK's Young Scientist of the Year, Peter Hatfield, joined by leading young scientists from India, Malawi and Kenya.
Lord Watson of Richmond CBE, Chair of the Council of Commonwealth Societies, commented: "The Commonwealth is unique. It encompasses great diversity, yet produces intimate and invaluable dialogue in discussing shared challenges and opportunities. It has all the energy of populations that are young and that now inherit not only history but a future shaped by science and technology. Commonwealth Day and our observance of it celebrate this extraordinary human collaboration and above all rejoice in the potential of the Commonwealth."
The Commonwealth theme for 2010 is Science, Technology and Society.
Image: Westminster Abbey. Credit: Steve Plass Photography on Flickr
