World Heritage: Science and Technology An Expert Workshop in the Framework of the Global Strategy for a Balanced and Representative World Heritage List 21 to 23 January 2008, London, UK

An Expert Workshop aimed at contributing to the development of guidelines and criteria for the review of sites of interest for the heritage of science and technology on the World Heritage List was held at The Wellcome Trust in London on 21 to 23 January 2008. Key Workshop Papers and Presentations are now available. 45 participants from 15 countries took part in the development of a framework to aid the World Heritage Committee in recognising the heritage of science and technology on the World Heritage List. "The UK National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to continue its close partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in world heritage matters,” says Professor Alec Boksenberg CBE, Chair of the UK National Commission." Sue Davis OBE, Chair of the UK National Commission’s Culture Committee remarks, “Culture is our universal heritage and an indispensable part of our past and future. Ensuring that the World Heritage List reflects the rich diversity of our shared culture will help safeguard this legacy for generations to come.” The pursuit and application of knowledge underlie all human achievements, many of which have been recognised on the World Heritage List, e.g. agriculture systems, industrialisation and architecture. The heritage of science, however, remains an under-represented area on the World Heritage List. This includes the natural sciences (physical sciences including astronomy and chemistry, and biological sciences) and the development of their application through engineering and technology. The World Heritage Committee (at its meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand 2007 accepted the UK State Party’s suggestion of further exploring the opportunities, issues and additional guidance necessary to recognise achievements of science on the World Heritage List. An initial stage would be through the forthcoming expert meeting to discuss the interpretation of science heritage in the context of the 1972 World Heritage Convention with the scientific community and World Heritage specialists. (more) The meeting was co-hosted by the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Attendance was by invitation only. Go to: Expert Workshop Papers and Presentations Enquiry and further information Questions relating to logistics, accommodations and expenses, contact DCMS Peter Marsden / Caity Marsh  +44 (0)20 7211 2341 or 2343   peter.marsden@culture.gsi.gov.uk or caity.marsh@culture.gsi.gov.uk Questions relating the Programme, presentations and other questions, contact the UK National Commission for UNESCO Linda Leung  +44 (0)20 77 66 34 90   lleung@unesco.org.uk

Photos from top to bottom: Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Professor Helmuth Albrecht, Ms Phyllis Ellin, Mrs Monika Minnhagen-Alvsten, Professor Amareswar Galla, Professor Yukio Nishimura