Challenging the Divide: Approaches to Science and Poetry needs to begin with the international Lewis Thomas Awards established in 1993 by Rockeller University to acknowledge the writing of scientists which is of such fine quality that it enters the literary realm. In the Senior School English syllabus for the Australian Curriculum there are a number of implicit cross-disciplinary options in Unit 3, entitled 'Making Connections'. In the 21st century it would be unthinkable for people from all walks of life not to be engaging with quality writing on a range of aspects by scientists. In the northern hemisphere, universities have been showing an interest in the engagement of the sciences, mathematics and the humanities, most particularly aspects of literary writing in non-fiction and poetry.

The curriculum developers of ACARA, insisting on providing the texts for Unit 3, need to broaden the range of non-fiction material on offer. Currently, there is no reference to the writing of great scientists who have received these annual awards since 1993.

Of the writing by Australian scientists who contributed to Challenging the Divide, Laureate Professor Peter Doherty reinforces the need for a broader vision. In his contribution Laureate Professor Peter C. Doherty wrote: 'Given the complexity of the modern world, and the fact that many people will be involved in a diversity of activities throughout their career, the more we can do to give our young people a solid acquaintance with both the sciences and the humanities the better our society will be.'

Professor Doherty's statement comes at the right time. While, in the national curriculum to be set up for all Australian schools from Reception to Year 10, there will be English, mathematics and science, there will also be history and the arts.
 

Besides the scientists who are contributors to Challenging the Divide: Approaches to Science and Poetry, there are many scientists seeking to make connections with the general reader, or to entice them into the study of the sciences, some like Tom Lehrer, have written songs that make listeners to some aspect of science, for example ‘The Elements’, - connected with the periodic table.

 

The website will expand information here as it is gained. I hope browsers will provide references as well.

 

In April 2009, in USA the first Diego Science Festival was held.