Debating Science Issues (360G-Wellcome-094406_Z_10_Z)

Debating Science Issues (DSI) is a dynamic, cross-border competition where young people 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 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 science. Workshops will be offered through Education Centres throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland for the professional development of teachers. Showcasing DSI with the aim of empowering teachers with this topical, engaging project, we seek to have DSI incorporated into text books and curriculum guides. 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 2007, fine-tuned through reflection on past-practice and formal evaluation, and co-hosted by seven Irish research centres and W5 and Queen's University Belfast, DSI has evolved in scope and breadth for 2010-2011 with the addition of CRANN at Trinity College Dublin.