11 January 2008

Interdisciplinary Forum "Legal and Ethical Challenges to Stem Cell Research"

Review

A flagship interdisciplinary Forum 'Legal and Ethical Challenges to Stem Cell Reseach' was held at the University of Sheffield on 7th December 2007. It was led by Professor Aurora Plomer, Director of Sheffield Institute for Biotechnological Law and Ethics(SIBLE), hosted by Professor Ian Peake,Director of Research Medicine and organised by the University Research Office.

It brought together approximately one hundred staff and research students from a diverse spectrum across the University including Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Biologies, Tissue Engineering, Chemistry, Public Communication, Languages and Music.

World-leading scientists, ethicists, clinicians and lawyers from the University of Sheffield and external guest speakers summarised developments and impacts in their areas and debated the emerging issues with the audience.

Cross-cutting issues were raised illustrating complexities and areas of uncertainty. There was a clear committment to ethical and responsible science and addressing issues from an interdisciplinary perspective within the regulatory environment.

    Background

    Stem cell research has enormous scientific and clinical potential but is surrounded by controversy and ethical debate amongst scientists, policy and law makers, lobbyists and the media. As International and domestic law struggles to keep pace with scientific discovery, the proliferation of UK, European and international ethical regulations and legal controls have uncertain implications for international research collaborations.
    The forum aimed to:

    • facilitate dialogue amongst research teams within different departments and disciplines;


    • develop and/or strengthen collaborative research networks; and


    • identify research synergies and potential overarching interdisciplinary research themes.

      Follow Up

      A steering group will be formed to respond to external developments, develop collaborative research activities and sustain continued involvment from the academic community. Please complete the feedback form on the right hand side to help shape future activities.



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