LIYSF 2015 draws to a close

Final Day Highlights

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The 2015 London International Youth Science Forum concluded on the 4th of August, after an intensive student debate, an engaging lecture from Professor Lord Robert Winston and a poignant closing ceremony.

The LIYSF Student Debate brought six students together to discuss topics relating to the overall theme of ethics in science.

Alexandria Sterling, UK, and Lucas Fredriksson, Sweden, debated the use of nuclear power as an alternative power source; particularly it’s environmental impact and efficiency over other alternative energy sources.

Miranda Sessarego, Argentina, and João Araújo, Portugal, discussed the ethical issues of using embryonic stem cells in scientific research and how induced pluripotent cells could be used instead.
Vanessa Bradbury, Australia, and Afiq Hatta from Malaysia argued the final topic of the debate, “Science opens more and more doors but have our ethics been compromised?”

Professor Lord Robert Winston, a professor, medical doctor and scientific researcher, discussed the eugenics movement during the early 20th century, the illegal sterilisation of teenage girls and his work in microsurgical procedures that can reverse female sterilisation. He also spoke about how ethics in science and medicine has evolved over the past decade, and how important it is that we provide the utmost respect and care to those in need.

The closing ceremony brought the 470 participants together for the last time. Director of LIYSF, Richard Myhill, gave thanks to the many people who make LIYSF truly spectacular: the speakers, the staff, and above all, the enlightening participants. It is bright, curious minds like these that will go on to change the world we live in, and I cannot wait to watch them succeed.