The work of the Discovery Institute

This article looks at the what the Discovery Institute is and what work it does.

What is the Discovery Institute?

Overview The Discovery Institute is a non-profit public policy think tank that operates out of Seattle, Washington. It is best known for its advocacy, promotion and development of intelligent design creationism. The Discovery Institute was founded in 1990 and since its foundation has received a lot of attention for its promotion of non-mainstream ideas about creationism, evolution and religion. This illustrates its mission and intentions: "Discovery Institute's mission is to make a positive vision of the future practical. The Institute discovers and promotes ideas in the common sense tradition of representative government, the free market and individual liberty. Our mission is promoted through books, reports, legislative testimony, articles, public conferences and debates, plus media coverage and the Institute's own publications and Internet website (Discovery.org)."

What work does the DI do?

Work The Discovery Institute describes its work as:
"[exploring] the fields of technology, science and culture, reform of the law, national defence, the environment and the economy, the future of democratic institutions, transportation, religion and public life, government entitlement spending, foreign affairs and cooperation within the bi-national region of "Cascadia." The efforts of Discovery fellows and staff, head-quartered in Seattle, are crucially abetted by the Institutes's members, board and sponsors." Particularly notable projects include The Real Russia Project: "The goal of Discovery Institutes Real Russia Project is to offer an accurate picture of life in Russia, promote realistic U.S.-Russia relations, and remain a credible source of information and expertise for U.S. policy-makers, business leaders, media, and the general public. The project serves a vital role in educating Americans about Russia and in fostering better understanding between the two countries." The Discovery Institute also has a publishing arm called the Discovery Institute Press. The most influential pieces of work produced by this press include: David Berlinski's Deniable Darwin & Other Essays (2010), Jonathan Wells The Myth of DNA (2011) and an edited volume titled Signature Of Controversy which contains apologetic works in defence of the Institutes Centre for Science and Culture director Stephen Meyer.
Final word You can find out more information by checking out the Discovery Instituter's website or by contacting their helpful staff (contact details available online).