Stem Cell research &Ethics Workshop

An overview of Debating Science IssuesAn introduction to the Science of Stem CellsHope or Hype? You decide….

What is Debating Science Issues?

• All-Ireland Secondary Schools Debate competition

• Open to senior cycle students• All debates are on biomedical

science• Sponsored by the Wellcome

Trust

Why Debating Science Issues?

• Encourage you to take an active interest in biomedical science research occuring in Ireland and its ethical implications for all of society

• Encourage you to consider the many diverse career options available in science in Ireland

DSI topics

• Stem cell research• Nanotechnology• Genetically modified foods• Health & Self-testing kits• Vaccinations• Animal testing

Organization of DSI

• Small groups take part in round table ethical workshops to prepare for first round of debates

• Students work as a team under teacher supervision to prepare debates

• 3-4 provincial heats (if successful!) before All-Ireland Semi-final and Final at The Science Gallery in Trinity College in April 2010

DSI Collaborators

• REMEDI• W5 Discovery Centre, Belfast• APC at UCC• Tyndall National Institute at UCC• BDI at DCU• Royal College of Surgeons Ireland• CLARITY at UCD• Queen’s University, Belfast

2010 Prizes-Trophies-Travel bursaries-iPods-Amazon vouchers-Framed certs

Provincial prizes & trophies in 2010 are sponsored by Boston Scientific & NUI Galway College of Science

Connacht Winners 2009 & 2008

• Independent research-funding charity

• Largest charity in the U.K.• Established in 1936• Founder of company that developed AZT and Rubella

vaccines• Interests range from science to

history of medicine

Science Foundation IrelandREMEDI is one of ten centres of excellence

in Ireland funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and dedicated to advancing Ireland’s smart economy through cutting-edge research and development.  Forging innovative partnerships with industry, government and academia, the centres add value to Ireland through job creation, inward investment and international excellence in science, engineering and technology. 

What are stem cells?

• Unspecialised cells lacking any tissue-specific structure

• Can give rise to specialised cells through the process of differentiation

Where are stem cells found?

• Embryonic stem cells (pre-birth)

• Adult stem cells (post-birth)

Umbilical cord blood

Brain

Olfactory (nasal passages) tissue

Bone marrow

Adipose (fat) tissue

Many others sources are being discovered….

Sources of embryonic stem cells

• Spare or surplus embryos from in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

• Embryos created for scientific research using donated eggs and sperm

• Embryos created for scientific research using therapeutic cloning

THE DEBATE

-In Ireland, the debate over whether we allow embryonic stem cell research is in its infancy.-This requires mutual respect for opposing positions and continued dialogue.-We need a proper understanding of the scientific facts about development of the embryo and what is involved in embryonic stem cell research.-We must think through our ethical principles and their implications.

DEMOCS = Deliberate Meeting of Concerned Citizens

-Aims are to disperse information about contemporary research and to encourage the interactive, participatory discussion of views

-Start the debate! Helps to place emphasis on importance of addressing all positions and views of the debate.

Thank You