One of the world’s most influential stem cell gatherings is coming to Madison- the genesis for stem cell research.
The World Stem Cell Summit is the preeminent gathering for the entire global stem cell community with the shared mission to advance stem cell research from the laboratory to lifesaving treatments. The World Stem Cell Summit was created by Bernard Siegel, J.D., founder and Executive Director of the Genetics Policy Institute. This event brings together leading researchers, industry leaders, policy-makers, regulators, patient advocates, legal experts, investors and philanthropists to illuminate critical issues and chart the future of regenerative medicine.
“Bringing the World Stem Cell Summit to Madison is the logical choice. When the history of regenerative medicine is written, surely Madison will be viewed as the launching pad for this important new field of biomedical research. Jamie Thomson’s historic and path finding work, reported a decade ago, ushered in a new era in the field of regenerative medicine. The breakthroughs continue with his work in reprogramming,” said Siegel.
“We are proud to join with the Genetics Policy Institute, the UW-Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center and all of the researchers at UW-Madison in welcoming hundreds of individuals to Madison,” agrees Carl Gulbrandson, President of WiCell Research Institute and Managing Director of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).
In support of the World Stem Cell Summit, Governor Jim Doyle issued the following statement:
“Wisconsin is the birthplace of stem cell research, and we are proud to have the best and brightest researchers in the world. Stem cell research thrives in every corner of this state, representing the promise to not only save lives, but to create economic opportunity for innovation and job growth as well. We are pleased to host the 2008 World Stem Cell Summit as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Dr. Jamie Thomson’s breakthrough discoveries. As Wisconsin embarks on the next frontier of stem cell research, the World Stem Cell Summit will provide critical tools for leadership and advancements for the future of regenerative medicine.”
Regenerative medicine and stem cell technologies are estimated to become a $500 billion industry over the next 20 years. “We are at the ground floor of a vastly important field of life science discovery. Nations and states are making stem cell research a target for economic development. The World Stem Cell Summit will present market trends to evaluate new business opportunities in this exciting and burgeoning field,” said Siegel.
The World Stem Cell Summit is September 22 – 23, 2008 at The Alliant Energy Center.
Featured speakers at the Summit include: Jamie Thomson, Professor of Anatomy at the University of Wisconsin Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center, Peter D. Kiernan III, Chairman of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Robert Klein, Chair of the Governing Board of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Alan Trounson, PhD., President, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Stephen Minger, PhD, Kings College, London.
