EVENT:
A new series, "Stem Cells and Society," will bring together leading scientific and social experts in ongoing public forums to discuss the issues related to stem cell research. The first forum will introduce the basic science of stem cells and begin to explore the ethical issues and implications of this research. UCI faculty speaking at the event will be: Francisco Ayala, Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences; Peter Donovan, professor of developmental and cell biology and biological chemistry; Hans Keirstead, associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology; Philip Nickel, assistant professor of philosophy; and Jennifer Terry, associate professor and director of Women's Studies.

WHEN:
7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26

WHERE:
100 Humanities Instructional Building, UCI campus. Map: www.uci.edu/campusmap

INFORMATION:
Free and open to the public. For event information, call 949-824-2500 or visit http://stemcell.uci.edu.

BACKGROUND:
Stem cells, both those derived from early human embryos and adult tissue, hold promise for the treatment of a variety of human diseases and injuries. At the same time, research and clinical use involving stem cells raise pressing ethical and cultural questions for society, including those based on issues of gender, race, socioeconomic status and religion. With the launch of this series, UCI faculty from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Humanities will join the public to begin an ongoing discussion of stem cell research, its clinical application and the ethical issues to consider. Additional forums will be announced at later dates.