Download Young scientists debate contemporary science issues

Young scientists debate contemporary science issues
Date, tbc: The 2011 Debating Science Issues All- Ireland Finals will be held
Thursday, April 14th at the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. The Finals,
co-ordinated by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI
Galway, will see four teams of secondary school students representing the
provinces of Connacht, Ulster, Leinster and Munster.
The Connacht winning team from St. Joseph’s College is comprised of
speakers Matthew McMorrow, Eoin Moran and several researchers working
behind the scenes. Their Transition year English teacher and team mentor
Fr. Iomar Daniels comments: “As the competition has progressed, the
students have enjoyed the challenge of researching and preparing for
the contemporary, engaging topics set by the convenor. Their interest in
science issues has been greatly enhanced.”
Fifty-six schools were involved in the 2011 Debating Science Issues
competition, which encourages young people to engage in debate on the
cultural, societal and ethical implications of advances in biomedical science.
The competition, which is coordinated by 8 research, medical and science
centres throughout the island of Ireland, addresses contemporary scientific
issues such as stem cells, nanotechnology, genetically modified food,
vaccinations and health and self-testing. This national schools’ biomedical
science debate competition, sponsored by a Wellcome Trust People Award
for four consecutive years is run in collaboration with the Biomedical
Diagnostics Institute (BDI), CLARITY, the Royal College of Surgeons in
Ireland, CRANN, Tyndall National Institute, the Alimentary Pharmabiotic
Centre, and W5. Provincial trophies and prizes are sponsored by the College
of Science at NUI Galway and Boston Scientific.
Competition organizer and Outreach Officer at REMEDI, Danielle Nicholson
remarked, “The pre-competition workshops provide an open and impartial
environment and challenge the students to consider the ethical impacts of
contemporary research. This debate series reflects the interest and insight
among 15- 18 year olds in the field of biomedicine.”
For further information on the Debating Science Issues competition visit
http://www.remedi.ie/education/debating-science-issues-dsi-2010-2011
Notes to Editors:
The REMEDI is a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and industry funded
research centre located at NUI Galway. Scientists and doctors at REMEDI are
working together to combine the technologies of gene therapy and adult stem
cell therapy to repair and replace damaged tissue. REMEDI research teams
are looking at heart disease, arthritis, and neurological diseases, to research
and develop medical therapies that enable repair of damaged and diseased
tissue using living cells and genes. The REMEDI is one of 10 such research
centres dedicated to advancing Ireland’s Smart Economy through cutting
edge research. 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.