Part one (25 min)

Minutes

Time

1

On arrival, audience members have the chance to read on a rotating set of slides projected on the screen

• A fictional news story about an application for a clinical trial to treat Parkinson’s disease using iPS derived dopamine producing cells
• A summary of an article written in The Times that describes the medical potential of iPS cells as exaggerated

5

5.55 – 6.05pm

2

Facilitator introduces the format for the event and introduces speakers.

3

6.05 -6.08pm

3

Clinician A / Patient representative gives introduction on neurological disease, for example Parkinson’s (YouTube film of MJ Fox, effects of PD from patient point of view; also possibly includes Guardian headline ‘Parkinson’s miracle cure turns into a catastrophe’ to create some controversy.)

12

6.08 – 6.20pm

4

Facilitator invites audience to vote on three statements that are projected on a screen using the voting slide.  Their answers will be based on the limited info they have. Use digital voting technology if possible, for real-time results or else coloured cards.

Statements:

1. I think stem cells are dangerous for patients – yes, no, not sure
2. I think embryonic stem cells have more potential to treat disease than iPS cells – yes, no, not sure
3. I am in favour of a clinical trial using iPS cells to treat neurological disease – yes, no, not sure

5

6.20 – 6.25pm

Part two (50 min)

5

Facilitator introduces other member(s) of the panel who will present their take on the case presented.

• Scientist B----. Works on stem cells.
• Scientist C----, Researches iPS cells to study neurological disease.

2

6.25 – 6.27pm

6

B gives presentation from an historical perspective: Introducing Stem Cells and where we are now.

• 5 min intro film on stem cells (excerpt from a Stem Cell Story film 00:00 – 04:32)
• recap: properties of stem cells: self renewal and differentiation
• different types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells / tissue (adult) stem cells
• discovery in 2006/2007: induced pluripotent stem cells technique
• why scientists so excited (up to cell lines)

18

6.27 – 6.45pm

7

C continues presentation why scientists are so excited about iPS cells: current research on iPS to understand and treat neurological disease.

10

6.45-6.55pm

8

A /patient rep: respond to presentations from B and C from a patient’s perspective

5

6.55 – 7pm

9

Questions & sum-up
Facilitator summarizes points made, and invites audience to ask questions

15

7 – 7.15pm

Part three (15 min)

10

Facilitator invites audience to vote on same statements again.

Statements:

1. I think stem cells are dangerous for patients – yes, no, not sure
2. I think embryonic stem cells have more potential to treat disease than iPS cells – yes, no, not sure
3. I am in favour of a clinical trial using iPS cells to treat neurological disease – yes, no, not sure

7

7.15 – 7.22pm

11

Facilitator comments on change (if any).  Asks individuals in audience what changed their minds.

7

7.22 – 7.29pm

12

Facilitator thanks audience and panel members for attendance, encouraged to fill in feedback forms outside

1

7.29 – 7.30pm