Forum to Host Lecture by Renowned Embryologist
Released: 17 January 2006
The ESRC Genomics Forum, based at the University of Edinburgh, is preparing for a spirited start to its 2006 public events programme as it hosts a lecture by Professor Ian Wilmut at the Playfair Library, on Thursday 19th January 2006.
In the wake of revelations of unethical behaviour and fabricated research results surrounding South Korean stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk and his colleagues, Professor Wilmut will deliver his views on using cells from cloned human embryos in research and therapy and explore the challenging practical, social and ethical aspects of this procedure, in front of a public audience of over 200.
Professor Michael Banner, Director of the ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, commented:
“Medical research, especially linked to cloning or embryonic stem cell research, poses huge ethical challenges for scientists, policy makers and members of the public alike. At the Genomics Forum, we are keen to provide an arena for groups to meet, discuss and hopefully further their understanding of these issues, which affect all of us. I look forward to our lecture and debate with Prof Wilmut, enormously.”
Professor Wilmut, recently appointed Head of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, also based at the University of Edinburgh, commented:
“My lecture for the ESRC’s Genomics Forum will discuss how cells from cloned human embryos can be used to develop new treatments for inherited human disease such as Motor Neurone Disease – which currently has no known effective treatment and leads to the premature death of 1200 people on the United Kingdom each year. We hope to identify drugs that are able to stop further progression of this disease. We may also be able to use these techniques to study some causes of cancer and heart failure.”
Ends
The lecture by Prof Wilmut will take place at the Playfair Library, Edinburgh, at 5.30pm on Thursday 19th January 2006. Unfortunately, this event is now FULLY BOOKED. Entry to this event is by ticket only.
Contact name:
For further information, please contact:
Emma Hargreaves, 0131 651 4746, emma.hargreaves@ed.ac.uk or
Katrina Nevin-Ridley, 07973 481485, katrina.nevin-ridley@ed.ac.uk
back
