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Wissenschaft im Dialog (Science in Dialog) from Berlin has initiated the European Student Parliaments project with the aim to strengthen the dialogue between students of 16 to 19 years and scientific researchers in Europe. This project that promotes and popularizes science in Europe is jointly organized in Serbia by the Centre for Science and Innovation and Wissenschaft im Dialog from autumn 2015 to spring 2016.
It is an international project that was organized in twenty European countries for years. Our country will be for the second time involved in the program through a project of the Centre for Science and Innovation that will gather around 100 students from high schools in Serbia. The students who love science and are fluent in English, open for discussion and interested in new ideas will be elected.
The main topic for 2015/2016 is “The Future of the Human Being”. The main topic has seven sub-themes, of which the following five are selected for the European student parliament in Belgrade:
1. The human brain
The human brain has been investigated intensively for years. Experts hope for therapies against dementia illnesses, but also human thinking and feeling is a core focus. But how does our brain work? Can we really simulate our brain and thinking? And will we be able to understand and heal dementia illnesses?
2. Living and eating healthy – but how?
Organic food is ‘en vogue’. But what is that supposed to mean? Do we better not eat meat or even animal products at all? Are genetically engineered foods dangerous for our health? Are long-term consequences to be expected? And how can we be sure what is really healthy and what isn’t.
3. The changing reproduction of mankind
Practices of in vitro fertilisation have become quite common and accepted in society – and here is the very latest: social freezing. Conserving ova is supposed to ensure the compatibility of career and family. How can the human being manipulate its own reproduction and does that really work? Which chances and risks exist?
4. Stem cells – the potential allrounders?
There would be no man or any other multicellular creature without stem cells. What are stem cells and why is their investigation this attractive – and frowned upon at the same time? How does our life change if we can direct stem cells – and how is that supposed to function at all?
5. Augmented human: optimising the human
Glasses and protheses have been employed for many centuries to optimise the human body. As of now a new wave of modifying the body is being initiated: by means of the google glasses or a ring that can name objects using a camera. What will the human being look like in 20 years’ time? Will our skills be extended through implants, drugs or other technical means?
Project website: www.student-parliaments.eu
