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Stem cells: therapies for the future? Press conference (18 December)
December 14, 2001The European Commission (DG Research), has organised the conference "Stem Cells: Therapies for the Future?" to provide a discussion platform for representatives of society and encourage debate on the multiple issues surrounding recent advances in stem cell research. This initiative was launched under the aegis of the Life Sciences High Level Group (LSHLG) advising Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. In that context, a press conference is arranged on 18 December with the participation of Commissioner Busquin and members of the LSHLG.
Stem cells open the prospect of treatment for a number of diseases and injuries and, at the same time, raise a number of crucial questions. How realistic are these expectations? What are the ethical and social implications? How do we decide whether or not to use this technology? Who can make that decision?
The recent Eurobarometer study illustrates the concern of European citizens: 84% agree that a discovery in itself is neither good or bad, what is important is the use that is made of it; 80% concur that authorities ought to formally oblige scientists to observe ethical rules; and 73.5% believe that scientists should be free to pursue their research as they wish as long as they observe ethical rules.
Despite the recent claim of human cloning by a US biotechnology firm, many scientific questions remain open and require in-depth discussions with all the actors involved and in particular the public, which is precisely the aim of the conference "Stem cells: Therapies for the Future?"
Summarising the dilemma, Commissioner Busquin recently said: "Not everything that is scientifically possible and technologically feasible is necessarily desirable or admissible. We must allow for a full, and truly inclusive debate on how to handle such questions with dignity and a sense of responsibility."
The conference
The aim of the conference is to offer a discussion forum between scientists and the public on the possibilities, priorities and difficulties of stem cell research in Europe. The conference will begin by reviewing recent advances in this area and their medical and ethical consequences. However, its objective is primarily to provide a discussion platform to launch and encourage a pluralistic and informative debate with a wide range of representatives of society concerned by the potential benefits, the possible risks and the ethical implications. Consequently, the Commission has invited a wide range of stakeholders including scientists, experts in ethics, patients` associations, interest groups, the medical profession, the media, members of Parliaments, public authorities and civil society representatives who will all have the opportunity to exchange views in an open debate.
The press conference (18/12/01 - 11:15)
At the press conference on 18 December, members of the Life Science High Level Group will review the medical, ethical and social impact of advances on stems cell research in the context of the conference, while Commissioner Busquin will comment on recent policy developments (see programme for details).
These issues will include the European Parliament recent vote on the Fiori report at which Commissioner Busquin told MEPs: "We should not definitively exclude particular possibilities for research as we thereby run the risk of depriving ourselves of ways of relieving great suffering and compromising Europe`s chances of remaining at the forefront of knowledge." This development has a direct influence on the type of research that will be allowed in EU-funded research in the forthcoming 6th Framework programme (2002-2006), in which we need to find a way to reconcile the freedom to do research and our desire to benefit from medical advances, with the respect of fundamental ethical principles.
Further information and the conference programme are available on the Web:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/quality-of-life/stemcells.html
Additional material, including photos, will be available in the press room section.
? For further information concerning the press events, please contact:
Stéphane Hogan, Press Officer, DG Research, European Commission
Tel.: +32.2.2962965 - Fax: +32.2.2958220 - E-mail: stephane.hogan@cec.eu.int
Press conference programme (18/12/01 - 11:15)
Breydel - Press Room- Av. d'Auderghem 45 - 1049 Brussels
11:15
Welcome address: Philippe Busquin (Commissioner for Research)
Presentations:
- MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS OF STEM CELLS: Prof. Axel Kahn (Institut Cochin - Chairman LSHLG)
- ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS: Prof. Anne McLaren (Wellcome CRC Institute - Member LSHLG)
- THE PUBLIC DEBATE: Prof. Derek Burke (Institute for Food Research - Member LSHLG)
- EU POLICY; RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH IN LIFE SCIENCES: Philippe Busquin (Commissioner)
12:00
Buffet lunch.
European Commission, Research Directorate
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