Adult Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: Separating Hope from Hype
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 6:30 p.m.
College Street Bar
574 College Street, Toronto, Ontario
RSVP: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
The field of human stem cell research was born in Toronto in the 1960s with the discovery of human stem cells by Drs. James Till and Ernest McCullough. In its earlier days, this promising area of health research was often dominated by conversations about the ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cells. But now, adult stem cells and their potential benefits and drawbacks are increasingly front and centre. These cells are found in many organs throughout the body and can potentially restore or repair damaged tissues.
Recent advances also suggest that regular adult cells can be reprogrammed to have many of the features of embryonic stem cells. As we learn more about how adult stem cells work, and how they can be used in regenerative medicine, we aim to move beyond the hype and harness their full potential.
Join some of Canada's leading stem cell researchers for an evening of open discussion on where adult stem cell research is headed, what it means for regenerative medicine, and how we can address the ethical challenges that this new technology poses. This free event is hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, its Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA), and the Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine Initiative (RMNI). Space is limited.
Experts:
Dr. William L. Stanford
Professor, Institute of Biomaterials
& Biomedical Engineering
University of Toronto
Co-Scientific Director
Ontario Human iPS Cell Facility
Dr. Shane K. Green
Program Leader in Ethics
McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health
University Health Network
and University of Toronto
Dr. Cindi M. Morshead
Associate Professor
Terrence Donnelly Centre
for Cellular & Biomolecular Research
University of Toronto
Dr. Freda Miller
Senior Scientist
Hospital for Sick Children
Professor, Developmental &
Stem Cell Biology
University of Toronto
Moderator:
Dr. Eric Marcotte
Associate Director
Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine Initiative
Canadian Institutes of Health Research