Debating Science Issues. (360G-Wellcome-090437_Z_09_Z)

Debating Science Issues (DSI) is an exciting, interactive programme and debating competition where participants are invited to engage in debate and discussion on the cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science. Shareholders, including senior cycle students of Irish Second Level education (15 -18 years of age) partake in one of a series of 3 hour workshops teaching the fundamantals of biomedical science (including nanotechnology, stem cell research, genetically modified foods, immunisations, and health and self-testing diagnostic kits) and facilitating group discussion in an informal round table venue. Given the multi-disciplinary nature of biomedical science and the challenge to provide an open and impartial forum, the workshops are designed to inspire partisans 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. The DSI bioethical workshops will be offered through Education Centres throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland for the professional development of teachers, and for community groups such as Macra, womens' groups or groups at senior centres. Harnessing the enthusiasm gained, a dynamic debate will ensue amongst students from schools throughout the four provinces of Ireland. Debaters are challenged to defend their positions in front of judges, peers, teachers and audience members. Piloted in 2008, fine-tuned through reflection on past-practice and formal evaluation, and co-hosted by eight Irish research and discovery centres, DSI has evolved in scope and size for 2009-2010 with the addition of CLARITY in Dublin and Queen's University, Belfast.