Reactions to the SMN event at the BA festival 2006

This year's SMN event at the BA attracted a high-profile debate as certain scientists attacked the BA, and the SMN, for endorsing the research that was discussed at "Beyond the Brain" this year.

The SMN welcomes opposing views on the presentations it organised at the BA Conference. The role of the SMN is not to put forward a particular view, but to stimulate debate and ensure science does not become a closed club. It should also be pointed out that the BA presentations which have caused such a reaction from some scientists cover issues which have been the subject of scientific research in prestigious universities such as Edinburgh and Princeton throughout the world for many decades. It is surely timely that the BA Festival reflects this.

After the event, Radio 4 hosted a programme involving all of the speakers in a live debate, including sceptic Chris French. Click here to listen to the recording of this radio debate.

High profile media coverage in The Times and The Telegraph cited the critics, and was also followed by articles and letters defending the event and the research.

Follow the links below to view the articles:

5th Sept: Scientists Angered By Telepathy Study

6th Sept: The Research That Triggered the Row

7th Sept: Gosh, I was just thinking about you (Rupert Sheldrake's article in response to critics)

7th Sept: Letters to the editor

6th Sept: Festival Attacked over Paranormal "Nonsense"

7th Sept: Scientists Angry as Platform is Given to "Charlaton's Fantasy"

The SMN's response:

Read David Lorimer's response to the critics of the BA event