Six first-year debaters put on a very impressive show at our annual Citizen Science Public Debate on January 18, 2012. The topic for the debate was “This house supports the use of animal testing in scientific research” and the debate came down to a very well-researched and carefully thought-out discussion about the role of medicine, the aim of saving lives, the value of human vs. animal lives, and the significance of animal suffering. Congratulations to Yelena, Hanze, Sana, Connor, Shaya, and Stephanie for a wonderful performance. If our first years have accomplished this much in just one semester, it is clear that within no time they are going to be a force to be reckoned with!