Dialogue Events

Audience member at debate

Past Topics

Facing up to Addiction: Is there such a thing as an addictive personality?
Chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Quentin Cooper this debate included presentations about the genetic, psychological and social factors of addiction. Speakers included Dr. Gerome Breen (UCL), Professor Mark Griffiths (Nottingham Trent University) and Brian Meah, who gave a powerful, and extremely moving account of his experiences of heroin addiction. This event was run in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry.

Stem Cells: Hope or Hype?
This debate included presentations from Dr Daniel Brison (North West Embryonic Stem Cell Centre), Alison Davies (Society for the Protection of Unborn Children) and Sarah Devaney (Lecturer in Medical Law). Chaired by Professor Trevor Cox, the audience partook in a lively discussion about the possibilities of stem cell science, and the ethical issues this raises. This event was also run in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry.

Using Interactive Voting System to find out audience views

Are we about to enter an era of Designer Medicine?
This event explored the promise of prescribing drugs based on a patients’ genetic make-up. This included thinking about the ethical challenges this may pose. Speakers included Dr Katherine Payne (Health Economist, Nowgen) and Dr Bill Newman (Consultant Geneticist).

Newborn Screening…Barcoded at Birth?
This debate focused on screening for genetic conditions at birth. It questioned why these programmes are set up and looked ahead to future possibilities. Speakers included Deborah Blackburn (Northwest Regional Child Health Screening Co-ordinator), Dr Helen Middleton-Price (Nowgen) and Dr David Kirby (The University of Manchester).

Event at Museum of Science and Industry

DNA Profiling and You
This debate explored some of the issues relating to storage and use of genetic information. It covered researchers creating DNA banks, profiling the DNA of newborn babies and the police use of the National DNA Database. The speakers included: Paul Johnson (University of Durham), Professor Andrew Read (University of Manchester) and Helen Wallace (GeneWatch UK). This event was run in partnership with Progress Educational Trust.

Gene Hype
In this event we questioned whether the realities of genetic research are keeping up with public expectations and media hype. The discussion covered press coverage and the pressure on scientists to promote their work in order to secure funding. Speakers included: Robin McKie (The Observer), Helen Wallace (GeneWatch UK) and Professor Dian Donnai (Nowgen). This event was run in partnership with Progress Educational Trust

Audience asking questions

Genetics and Healthcare in the 21st Century: Towards Predicting and Preventing Disease?
This event explored the potential impact of genetics on healthcare. It questioned how far the public want to embrace DNA technologies in medicine. Speakers include: Dr Tim Peakman (UK Biobank), Dr Sarah Wilson (University of Lancaster) and Professor Andrew Read (University of Manchester). This event was run in conjunction with the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce).