Talking to media persons, Nobel Laureate and president of the International Council for Scientific Unions Prof Werner Arber observed that nature too indulged in genetic engineering on its own. However, it was done naturally without any design, whereas the intervention by scientists was specific and were done with an aim towards a desired result. Prof Arber was here to deliver the Sixth Annual Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology lecture on "Molecular Genetics: Roots, Strategies and Applications" at the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) here today. Arber stressed that the structure of nature was not very predictable and evolution led to alterations in genetic diversity.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Sonia Gandhi said that during the last few years the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies had promoted a series of annual lectures on science and technology. Describing Prof Arber as a role model for the young, she recalled the commitment of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi to scientific temper and the application of technology to national development. Ending the lecture on a philosophic note, Arber stated that "increase in knowledge helps me understand life better, both around and inside me. With a better world view, I am ready to change and adapt better".