The nationally recognized Iowa State bioethics program will be hosting its fifth annual symposium Saturday focusing on biotechnology and its effects on global justice.

Three speakers will address an estimated 100 members of the ISU community on the effects of genetically engineered substitutes for agricultural commodities on the quality of life in developing countries, said Clark Ford, chairman of the bioethics committee.

“New technologies raise serious questions,” Ford said. “The idea of such a symposium is to prevent different sides.”

The symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at 4 p.m. in Room 1414 of Molecular Biology.

At its start, Tony Smith, professor of philosophy and religious studies, will speak on ethics and technology around the world.

Loren Lomasky, instructor at Bowling Green State University, will give a speech at 9:30 a.m. titled “Is Ag Biotechnology Likely to Lead to Unjust Uneven Development?” Lomasky is the author of the book “Persons, Rights and the Moral Community.”

Rebecca J. Goldburg, director of the Environmental Defense Program, will give a speech at 11:15 a.m. titled “Is Ag Biotech Likely to Lead to Irresponsible Agro-ecosystem Degradation?” Goldburg is a recognized activist for environmental protection and has helped implement environmental protocols for state and federal government.

“We are trying to bring these issues up with informed speakers who have developed opinions, so we can make up our own minds,” Ford said.

Following a lunch break, the audience will split into workshops where they can ask individual speakers questions. A plenary session will be held during the last hour of the symposium, where all three speakers will answer questions from the audience and each other.

Ford said the symposium will promote discussion and help develop ways for faculty to bring bioethics into the classroom.

The deadline for registration is today. There is a $5 fee for lunch.