September 20, 2004
Free public forum to present balanced analysis of stem cell issues
There will be a free educational forum with nationally recognized experts to explain current issues in stem cell research and policy at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, in Room 130 of Kane Hall at the University of Washington, Seattle.
“Stem Cells: the Science, the Policy, and the Possibilities” is open to the public and will not require any background in science. The discussion will answer such questions as: What are stem cells? How might stem cells be used to treat disease? What are the ethical implications of stem cell research? What are current policies, and how effective are they?
The speakers will include nationally renowned stem cell researchers Dr. Gerald Schatten of the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Lawrence Goldstein of the University of California, San Diego; bioethicist Dr. Jeffrey Kahn of the University of Minnesota; and UW Assistant Professor Anna Mastroianni, who studies stem cell and reproductive technology policy issues in the School of Law and Institute for Public Health Genetics.
The forum is organized by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from both the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The students formed the Forum on Science Ethics and Policy to cultivate productive discussions about current issues and challenges in science policy, and the ethics of scientific research. They already sponsor a regular discussion series on campus and hope to host more community forums. The group is hosted by the UW Office of Research and funded jointly by the UW and the Hutchinson Center. For more information, e-mail fosep@u.washington.edu or visit http://www.fosep.org on the Internet.
