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The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's Darwin Season in 2009 offers a raft of landmark content to mark one of the most astonishing and influential scientific ideas ever conceived.

12 February 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, with 24 November 2009 marking 150 years since of the publication of his book On The Origin Of Species, which laid out the theory of evolution by natural selection.

David Attenborough, Andrew Marr, Melvyn Bragg and Jimmy Doherty are just some of the well-known names helping the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú and the nation to mark the life and work of Charles Darwin. The programming sets out to explore the theory of evolution, which is regarded as one of the most far-reaching and influential scientific ideas ever known.

A range of Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú content from Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Science, the Natural History Unit, the Religion and Ethics department and CÂ鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú will deliver, across television, radio and online, an array of stories and voices about this mould-breaking scientific theory – one which has robustly stood the test of time.

The Open University (OU) has partnered with the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú to co-produce three major series and a one-off special as part of the season.

George Entwistle, Controller, Knowledge Commissioning, Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Vision, said: "The key Darwin anniversaries provide an excellent opportunity for the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú to explore in real depth this revolutionary idea, and the man behind it. The season stretches across the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú landscape and we're delighted to have content from across television, radio and online.

"We hope it will connect our audiences to Darwin the man, as well as Darwin the scientific revolutionary. I hope this season will inspire our audiences and deliver real insight into his ideas and what they mean for contemporary society."

Mohit Bakaya, Commissioning Editor, Radio 4, said: "Radio 4 has commissioned a range of documentaries and short features to mark the Darwin anniversaries. With Melvyn Bragg, we will explore the detail of his life, his theories and the historical context to his work.

"We will get a personal take from his great-great granddaughter, the poet Ruth Padel, and also explore ways in which scientists are working with his ideas today."

John Lynch, Head of Science, Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Vision Productions, said: "2009 and 2010 are years of great significance for science and will see a major push from the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú in the public understanding of science.

"The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú has commissioned some big science landmarks, covering some of the most important fundamentals of scientific literacy. The Darwin Season is a good example of this focus on science."

Professor Brenda Gourley, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said: "The Open University is delighted to be co-producing three diverse series and a great one-off programme with the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú as part of the Darwin season.

"The partnership between The Open University and the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú has been hugely successful since it began nearly 40 years ago. This season's co-productions illustrate once more that we continue to provide informative and educational programming to inspire and stimulate learners."

VAA