The Royal Society in London provided a prestigious venue for the National Forum which took place on November 26th 2003. This venue ensured that the event was an exciting celebration of the Genetic Futures programme for both pupils and visitors. The forum was introduced with a lively and interactive lecture entitled ‘DNA goes to Hollywood’, presented by Dr Harry Witchel, which questioned Hollywood’s interpretation of advances in the science of genetics. By considering the film ‘Spiderman’, Dr Witchel looked at the possibilities for the genetic mutation described by the film makers and compared them with scientific reality.

This was followed by ‘Young Voices’, a chaired debate in the style of ‘Question Time’, where pupils put their prepared questions on genetics to a panel of renowned experts. The panel, chaired by Professor Nancy Rothwell, comprised Sir John Sulston, David Glover, Professor Andrew Webster and Dr Ainsley Newsone.

In the audience, there were a number of well known personalities who also contributed their views, including Lord Robert Winston and Geoff Watts of the BBC. Many of the experts later said how stimulated they had been by the views expressed by pupils. The audience were also able to participate by means of the electronic voting system.

Download the poster display
by Conyers School in Yarm (6.4Mb)

Prior to the Forum, schools had been sent a list of issues related to genetic science. Every school then presented a poster display, in the form of a science newspaper supplement, expressing their views and opinions on an issue related to DNA science. At the event, pupils discussed their ideas and concerns further with the panel.

Both guests and experts were impressed by the standard of the presentations and by the research and the level of understanding of pupils. The Forum ended with the presentation of awards and congratulations by Sir John Sulston to all those who had taken part.

Download/View the results of the National Forum voting. (PowerPoint 227Kb)