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 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

4. DSI topics
• Stem cell research
• Nanotechnology
• Genetically modified foods
• Health & Self‐testing kits
• Vaccinations
• Animal testing

5. 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

6. • 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

7. 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.

8. 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

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. 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.

15. Thank You