Human embryonic stem cells are among the most promising, most complicated, and most controversial areas of contemporary biomedical research. Professor Julie Baker’s lab is working to create and understand human embryonic stem cells. She will describe the scientific challenges of the work and the medical and scientific reasons these challenges are worthwhile. Professor Hank Greely serves on Stanford and California committees that are working to ensure stem cell research proceeds ethically. He will discuss the difficult issues that need to be resolved, not just about what kind of research should be done but how the research should be done- and the political complications these issues raise.

Julie Baker is an Assistant Professor of Genetics whose research interest include understanding how cells contained in human embryos gain the specialized functions that enable the formation of healthy organ systems.

Hank Greely is a Professor of Law and Professor, by courtesy, of Genetics. His research interest include legal and social issues arising from advances in the biosciences such as genetics, neuroscience and regenerative medicine.