Stem Cell Awareness Day
Detail of a stem cell
We’ve all heard of stem cells, but do you really know how important they are? Now you can learn more about them directly from the scientists working to unlock their potential.
Stem Cell Awareness Day 2011, a public education initiative, aims to link scientists, clinicians, patients and the general public around the world to promote a greater understanding of stem cells and their potential to treat a wide range of debilitating clinical conditions.
As part of Stem Cell Awareness Day, Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL) will host free public seminars from Australian and International researchers and clinicians.
Professor Richard Boyd, Director of MISCL, will be one of the Monash researchers speaking at the event.
“The general public is very aware of the enormous potential of stem cells, but understanding the science and regulatory processes required for their clinical applications science is not so well appreciated, which can lead to concern. Stem Cell Awareness Day is an important step towards educating people about the significance, promises and hurdles of this field of research.
“MISCL is well-placed to deliver this kind of public education event as researchers are at the cutting-edge. We're attempting to integrate research into stem cells and immunology for the development of novel clinical treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer,” said Professor Boyd.
Other MISCL speakers include Professor Andrew Elefanty and Professor Ed Standley, co-founders of the Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation group at MISCL and members of the recently launched Australian Stem Cell Consortium.
Professor Colin Pouton, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology at Monash University is also speaking, along with Dr Martin Short, who is currently completing his PhD at MISCL.
Other speakers include Dr Tony Goldschlager, Professor Silviu Itescu, Dr Dan Bates and Professor Jeff Rosenfeld, who are all viewed by their peers as leaders in their fields.
The free public seminars will take place on Friday 7 October, 10am - 4.30pm at the BMW Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne.
For more information visit the Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences website.