April 2008 Galway Secondary School Students in National Final of Science Competition

Two students from Gort Community School will represent Connacht in the first ever 'Debating Science Issues' competition in Dublin on Friday, 9 May. This prestigious new Wellcome Trust-funded debating competition is coordinated by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at NUI Galway in conjunction with science research and discovery centres throughout Ireland.

Open to senior cycle secondary school students, the 'Debating Science Issues' competition invites young people to take an active interest in biomedical science and to engage with contemporary research.

Dominique Twomey and Shane Croake from Gort CS will represent Connacht, having recently won the regional final hosted by REMEDI at NUI Galway. Students Ailish Ní Choisteabhla and Caitríona Walsh, from Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal, came second in the regional final. The competition invites students to explore topics such Stem Cell Research, Genetically Modified Food, Nanotechnology, Health and Self Testing, Vaccinations, and Animal Testing. 'Debating Science Issues' is an extension of a regional debating series originally initiated by REMEDI among Galway schools in 2005. With support from Wellcome Trust, the competition has now expanded to involve secondary schools north and south of the border. Organisers hope that debating will facilitate discussion among young people on the advances in the biomedical field and the societal and ethical impact of this research. According to Dr. Kieran Ryan, Programme Manager at REMEDI, "Ultimately, we hope to stimulate young people to think differently about biomedical science as they discover the immense impact it has on society, and consider a career or education in this field. An impassioned discussion can really allow students and teachers explore issues surrounding these fascinating areas of science". The final of the competition take place at the Science Gallery, TCD, on Friday 9 May. Competition prizes will include laptops, iPODs and school trophies. For more information contact Breda Kyne, Outreach Officer at REMEDI, at breda.kyne@nuigalway.ie

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