Event Information

G-STEP project 2024 Public Symposium “Building our future together: ELSI for germline research in the laboratory”

Over the past decade, IVG research has made significant progress with the generation of germ cells (e.g. sperm and eggs) from stem cells (i.e. induced pluripotent stem cells; iPS cells). By researching these mechanisms, scientists have been attempting to understand the mysteries of life.

As this research progresses, we may be able to create viable germ cells from human iPS cells in the near future. Therefore, is now time to rethink the meanings of life.

The G-STEP project aims to discuss the current state of IVG research with a diverse range of stakeholders, including issues in ELSI research as well as how IVG research should progress in the future. In this symposium, we aim to deepen this discussion alongside researchers and medical experts with event participants.

◆Date/Time: 11 March 2024 (Mon) 2:00-5:00pm
◆Place: Akihabara UDX 4th Floor UDX GALLERY NEXT 1
◆Event Format: Hybrid (In-person + Online Broadcast via Zoom)
◆Program
14:00 Start
14:05 Opening Remarks Kaori Karasawa (RInCA Director, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, Tokyo University)
14:10 Project Introduction  Kazuto Kato (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
14:25 Presentation  “The Current State of IVG Research” Katsuhiko Hayashi (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
14:45 Presentation  “Spermatogenesis from Testicular Tissue” Takehiko Ogawa (Graduate School of Medicine, Yokoyama City University)
15:05 Break
15:20 Project Initiatives “The Establishment of a Public Involvement Panel” Atsushi Kogetsu (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University) 
“ELSI in IVG Research” Yusuke Shikano (Center for the Study of CO Design, Osaka University) and Daisuke Yamashita (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
“Regulatory Development of Assisted Reproductive Medicine” Yuko Muraoka (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University; Osaka Bar Association)
15:55 Panel Discussion Designated Speaker:Tadashi Kimura (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University) 
Panelists:Kazuto Kato (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University) 
Katsuhiko Hayashi (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
Takehiko Ogawa (Graduate School of Medicine, Yokoyama City University)
Tadashi Kimura (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
Minoru Irahara (Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokushima University)
Yuko Muraoka (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University; Osaka Bar Association)
16:55 Closing Remarks Kazuto Kato (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University)
◆Participation Fee: None