Stem cell research is a hot topic in Missouri this fall, as voters prepare to consider a constitutional initiative that would allow researchers in the Show-Me State to conduct any stem cell research that is permitted under federal law. Proponents of the Amendment 2 initiative are breaking spending records in a media blitz as the Nov. 7 election nears, and as is typical with most controversial political campaigns, voters are swarmed by information from both sides.

An upcoming forum at UMR on the science, ethics and spiritual issues surrounding stem cell research might help voters to become better informed of the issues. While the forum, to be held on Oct. 24, won't directly address the Amendment 2 ballot issue, it promises to be an informative session about the science, ethics and faith-based issues surrounding stem cell research.

The panel will feature two UMR researchers, who will discuss the science behind embryonic and adult stem cell research. Dr. Katie Shannon, assistant professor of biological sciences, will discuss embryonic stem cell research, and Dr. Klaus Woelk, associate professor of chemistry, will discuss adult stem cell research. They'll be joined by a bioethicist and two clergy, who will discuss the ethical and faith-based issues surrounding stem cell research.