Xenotransplantation - education follow-up

Pig in the Middle

In partnership with Y Touring (the Central YMCA’s national touring theatre company) a play called Pig in the Middle, written by Judy Upton, was followed by a structured debate and supported by an education pack. The event aimed to encourage discussion about animal-to-human transplants through an accessible and stimulating medium. During its tour of schools and its short run at the Edinburgh International Science Festival, Pig in the Middle was seen by 12,560 students, teachers, governors, MPs and members of the public.

Sixth-form conferences

Two sixth-form conferences entitled Animal to Human Transplantation were held jointly with the MRC, one at the Birmingham University School of Education and a second at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester.

The Chairman of the Working Party, Professor Albert Weale, presented the ethical issues raised by xenotransplantation. Workshop sessions were held where issues were discussed in more depth, and then presentations were made back to the whole conference.

The main aims were to raise awareness about the issues raised by xenotransplantation, provide information about the science which underpins it, enable students to make balanced judgements and provide an opportunity to canvas their views and allow them to question experts in the field. The conference received positive feedback from all participants.

Science Education (SET) Week (1996)

Professor Albert Weale sat on a panel of experts participating in a public debate on animal-to-human transplants. This event attracted about 160 people, including sixth-form students and adults, who felt that the event helped to improve their understanding of xenotransplantation.

Find out more about the Council's recent educational activities