This document provides information about a debating competition on biomedical science issues for senior cycle students in Ireland. It discusses stem cell research and ethics as a potential debate topic. Key points include: - The competition encourages students to actively engage with and consider the ethical implications of biomedical science research. - Debate topics cover issues like stem cell research, GM foods, vaccinations, and nanotechnology. - Stem cells can give rise to specialized cells and are found in embryos and some adult tissues. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos from IVF or therapeutic cloning. - The debate around stem cell research involves differing international views on embryo research and therapeutic cloning. Mutual understanding of scientific facts

1. Stem Cell research & Ethics Workshop An overview of Debating Science Issues An introduction to the Science of Stem Cells Hope or Hype? You decide….

2. What is Debating Science Issues? All-Ireland Secondary School Debate competition Open to senior cycle students All debates are on biomedical science Sponsored by the Wellcome Trust

3. Why Debating Science Issues? Encourage you to take an active interest in biomedical science research and its ethical implications for all of society Encourage you to consider the many diverse career options available in science Debate topics include: stem cell research, GM foods, vaccinations, nanotechnology and health and self-testing kits

4. 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 Semi-final and Final Follow progress on the 2010- 2011 competition on Twitter @DebatingScience

5. 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

6. Science Foundation Ireland REMEDI 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.

7. Stem Cell science- What are stem cells? Unspecialised cells lacking any tissue-specific structure Can give rise to specialised cells through the process of differentiation

8. Why are stem cells unique? stem cell stem cell SELF-RENEWAL (copying) specialized cell e.g. muscle cell, nerve cell DIFFERENTIATION (specializing)

9. 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 Other sources are being discovered….

10. 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

14. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) Advantage: no need for embryos! adult cell ‘ genetic reprogramming’ = add certain genes to the cell induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell behaves like an embryonic stem cell all possible types of specialized cells culture iPS cells in the lab differentiation

15. THE DEBATE -Currently there is no international consensus on embryo research or therapeutic cloning. -European nations vary in their legislation. -In some countries, 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.

16. Thank You