Science Debates

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	Science Debates


	intercultural dialogues exploring the nature of contemporary science and its significance for our lives

The debates are in general not set up as confrontational between two polarised views. While sometimes there are two clear-cut sides to an argument (such as whether you support nuclear power or prefer renewable energy sources) but even in the most controversial of subjects it is often the case that there is also a middle ground. No issue is black and white, and having the grey often enriches the debate.

Stem cell research
Should we allow hybrid embryos combining animal eggs with human cells for research?
A roundtable discussion on stem cell research took place at the Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem on Thursday 27 March 2008
Stem cell research has the potential to offer therapeutic solutions for debilitating and degenerative diseases but there are strong opinions surrounding stem-cell research and what scientists should and should not be allowed to do. What are the ethical implications and moral dilemmas involved? The issues are far from straightforward. The public was invited to share their views with a panel of distinguished UK and Israeli experts.

Moderator: Prof Eitan Friedman, Head, Gertner Oncogenetics Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center
Panellists:
Lord Naren Patel , Chairman of the UK National Stem Cell Network
Dr Chris Mason, Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London
Prof Lyle Armstrong, Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University
Prof Andrew Webster, Dept of Sociology, University of York
Prof Nissim Benvenisty, Dept of Genetics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof David Heyd, Dept of Philosophy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Genetic screening
Are you ready to peek into your genetic crystal ball?
A public debate on genetic screening was held at the Hemda Science Education Centre in Tel Aviv on Wednesday 19 December 2007
Much has been written about the use of genetic screening as a powerful diagnostic tool for predicting risks in the fields of medical science, from pre-natal testing to infectious and neurological diseases to cancer and heart diseases. As we probe deeper into the human genome, genetic screening becomes a powerful technological tool, not only for identifying genetic disorders but also for providing information on individuals. Our audience had a unique opportunity to hear, and share their views with a panel of UK and Israeli experts. The debate focused on the issues and potential applications of genetic screening and testing in the future.

Moderator: Dr Arad Nir, Foreign Editor and Anchor, Channel 2 News
Panellists:
Prof Eitan Friedman, Sheba Medical Centre, Tel Hashomer
Dr Armand Leroi, Dept of Biological Sciences, Imperial College London
Dr Yehuda Meltzer, Philosopher, Lecturer, Publisher
Gali Ben Or, Legal Advisor, Israel Ministry of Justice

Read the report about this fascinating debate written by Roey Tzezana, MSc student in nano-technology at the Technion, Israel, and FameLab Finalist 2007