HeLa Cells: Ethics Workshop

This interactive pilot session invites high school and early college students to examine the ethical foundations of biomedical research through the case of Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells. Designed as a highly participatory experience, the program centers on small-group work, guided discussion, and real-world ethical decision-making.

Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams to analyze historical and modern research scenarios, drawing from the Belmont Report principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Groups will evaluate questions of consent, data ownership, community harm, and scientific responsibility, then present their perspectives through brief poster-style or roundtable share-outs. Facilitators and guest experts will guide discussions, challenge assumptions, and connect student insights to current research practices and policy considerations.

The session aims to bridge scientific learning with ethical reasoning, empowering students to understand how research choices impact individuals and communities. By engaging directly with researchers and policy advocates, participants will build foundational knowledge of IRB processes, gain mentorship exposure, and leave with a deeper understanding of how ethics, science, and justice intersect in biomedical research today.