RSE Banner

the royal society of edinburgh building

 
Young People & Schools / Discussion Forums
S5 and S6 students debate topical issues of importance to Scotland.
Click here for e-learning resources.

Click here to view reports from previous forums.
Tuesday 24 October 2006 at The University of Aberdeen. Debating Scotland's Energy Choices
energy production
Energy is vital to our national well-being and should not be allowed to become a political football. The concerns surrounding energy production, energy transfer and its efficient use affects all of us and the RSE is seeking to engage young people, as well as the general public through out Scotland, to debate these issues in order to better inform key decision makers.
On 24 October 2006 S5 and S6 students met at the University of Aberdeen to debate and discuss the following topics:

- Energy sources, supply and grid infrastructure
- Energy efficiency, savings and research and development
- The role of Government and the public
Click here to read full summary of Energy Choices Forum
Thursday 15 June 2006 at Inverness College - Stem Cell Research
The Royal Society of Edinburgh Discussion Forum
Stem cells have the potential to help us treat many serious diseases, but their use raises many contentious issues.
What must society consider before this potential is harnessed?
Click here to download a PDF copy of the report
On June 15th S5 and S6 students from throughout the Highlands met at Inverness College for a day of discussion and debate on Stem Cell Research.
In the morning experts introduced the topic in a variety of talks, Dr Neville Cobbe, University of Edinburgh, introduced the field, asking “What is a Stem Cell? What is a Human Being? When does life begin? What is OK?” Dr Matt Dalby, University of Edinburgh then discussed the potential applications of Stem Cell therapies. Finally, Professor Graeme Laure, University of Edinburgh, discussed some of the legal aspects of Stem Cell Research, illustrated with responses from around the world.
After the talks, students split into workshops to consider the issues and formulate their own opinions on topics as diverse as the media’s role in the Stem Cell debate, clinical trials, they use of embryos in stem cell research, the funding of research and public trust of scientists. The day concluded with students presenting their views to the conference and an open-floor debate.
The event was run in partnership with the Scottish Initiative for Biotechnology Education (SIBE).
The RSE has compiled a report of the day which highlights students’ opinions on this important topic. Anan electronic teaching resource to encourage debate on Stem Cell Research in the classroom is also being prepared. We will be inviting all schools in Scotland to contribute to a national survey on Stem Cell Research.
Click here to download a PDF copy of the report
Click here to request further information on the e-learning resource or printed copies of the report.

Click here to view reports from previous forums
Last Updated 4 February, 2008
The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ.  
Tel/Minicom/Textphone : +44 (0)131 240 5000.  Fax : +44 (0)131 240 5024
Return to Home Page
Scottish Science Advisory Committee
Links
Science Scotland
Terms and Conditions
click here to link to RSE home page