debating Science issues - DSI (360G-Wellcome-087084_Z_08_Z)

Debating Science Issues is a dynamic debating competition where young people are invited to engage in debate on the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science. Open to senior cycle students of Irish Second Level Education (15-18 years of age), participating students partake in a series of 3 hour workshops teaching the fundamentals of biomedical science (including nanotechnology, stem cell research, genetically modified foods) and facilitating group discussion in an informal round table venue. Providing an open and impartial forum, the workshops challenge students to think about the ethical and societal impacts of biomedical research and stimulate them to delve more deeply into these important areas of research science. This enthusiasm finds an outlet in the debating competition. Inspired by Wellcome Trust funded Debating Matters, DSI is an exciting, interactive debating model where debaters are challenged by judges, peers, teachers, and audience members to defend their positions. Co-hosted by 4 Irish research centres and W5 in Belfast, DSI is a model of classical debate. In its first year, 432 students were involved in biomedical science workshops at 36 schools throughout Ireland. One Hundred One students were directly involved in the DSI debate process. Debating Science Issues is a dynamic debating competition where young people are invited to engage in debate on the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science. Piloted in 2008, and fine-tuned through reflection on past practice and formal evaluation, DSI has evolved in scope and size.