BBC World News examines ideas that changed the world

Media News

London, October 19, 2010

BBC World News will broadcast, a new six part series starting 30th October 2010, examining some of the big ideas which have transformed the world we live in.

Ideas That Changed The World, narrated by BBC Click's Spencer Kelly and sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank, features a series of experts and specialists, including chef David Chang, astronomer Seth Shostak, former white house doctor Connie Mariano, author Oliver Sacks and former UK Chancellor Alistair Darling, all giving their perspective on a particular aspect of six key areas - architecture, flight, food, communications, medicine and economy. The experts will examine not only how the topics covered have changed our world but will look ahead and give their predictions on how they see their areas of interest developing in the future.

Paul Gibbs, BBC World News Head of Programming, says: "There are so many things in our civilisation we take for granted. Ideas That Changed The World looks at the impact some great ideas have had on our lives. Our experts and specialists will also share their visions for the future and tell us what developments they think will have the most significant impact for the years ahead."

Architecture

In the programme on architecture world acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid looks at concrete, one of the most revolutionary materials ever introduced in the history of architecture; James Law founder of Cypertecture International examines the role of the arch; international architect Mitsuo Nakamura looks at climate control from the Romans through to today's green or sustainable architecture; and Canadian architect Gordon Gill examines the importance of the elevator as a lynchpin to building tall structures.

Food

The food programme sees Keith Goulding an expert in the use of nitrogen explain why he thinks understanding the role nitrogen fertiliser is perhaps the most important development in the history of soil fertility; Director of the International Rice Research Institute Robert Zeigler discusses the revolutionary impact of 'cross breeding' plants; Assyriologist and Professor at Yale University Alice Slotsky examines the development of the recipe; and world famous chef David Chang takes a look at the importance of different types of food preservation.

Medicine

In the programme on medicine, the microscope, antibiotics, music therapy and chinese medicine are examined. Jim Bennett, Director of the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford looks at the microscope; Connie Mariano former white house doctor to Bill Clinton and George W Bush examines antibiotics; author and academic Oliver Sacks expounds on music therapy; and leading expert in the history of Chinese Medicine Practice Vivienne Lo talks about chinese medicine.

Flight

The development of flight sees traditional kite maker Mikio Toki; President of Virgin Galactic Will Whitehorn; cutting edge aerodynamics pioneer Shinji Suzuki ; and former space shuttle pilot for NASA Pam Melroy talk about traditional kite making; the Wright Brothers; aerodynamics; and the jet engine respectively.

Economy

Finally the programme on economy sees coinage City market-commentator Justin Urquhart-Stewart talk about the development of paper money; maroeconomist at Oxford University Linda Yueh examines taxes; former Washington Bureau Chief at The Economist Adrian Wooldridge discusses the company; and former UK Chancellor Alistair Darling examines money.

Communications

The communications programme see Professor of Cybernetics at Reading University, Keith Warwick explain how the telegraph revolutionised long distance communications; senior astronomer at the SETI institute Seth Shostak examines the importance of radio waves and the uses of mobile phones in the developing world; writer, anthropologist and librarian Alberto Manguel takes a look at the development of the library; and photographer Steve McCurry looks at the role of photography in enhancing communications.

For further information, please contact:

Genesis Burson-Marsteller

Deepika Mahidhara

Mobile: + 919892565438

Email: deepika.mahidhara@bm.com