The start of a new nationwide Stem Cell Day
by Stefanie Mahler, Science communicator for the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN)
When we talk about stem cell research in Germany, most people think of biology and medicine – and then really fast about ethics and the controversially discussed use of human embryonic stem cells for research. Therefor the stem cell researchers and science communicators feel obliged to always look for possibilities to discuss with pupils, students and the public about the state of research of stem cells.
When I first heard about UniStem Day, all of my communicators‘ instincts went on alert: That looked like a great chance to create a nationwide public education day! Then I read about the numbers of participants in Italy and went pale by astonishment. And then I decided to take the risk and talk to the UniStem office guys at the University of Milan, even though we in Germany would never get anywhere close to the Italian impact.
Now it’s a year later and I am very excited: We – which means the German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) -managed to get ten German stem cell research institutions on board, located in seven cities. More then a thousand students will be taking part in the first German UniStem Day. The different programs are full with interesting talks, discussions, laboratory tours, hands-on-experiments, expert-tables, stem cell games, videos and workshops. Our goal is to give insight into the latest research results and findings in stem cell research in basic and applied research. Our focus in the ethical debate has broadened to the topics of unproven therapies, genetic engineering and considerations about the modification of the human germline and global distributive justice of stem cell research results. All extremely interesting and demanding questions.
A very pleasant effect is the experience, how interested the teachers are in stem cells and the chance to offer their students a whole day of stem cell knowledge. We take that as a promising signal for the first UniStem Day in Germany.
Stefanie Mahler is the Coordinator Communication for the German Stem Cell Network, responsible for media relations and public engagement activities for the network.
Stefanie Mahler contact information
Phone: +49 (0)30 9406 2483
e-mail: stefanie.mahler@mdc-berlin.de
