Biomedical Sciences Blog

Moving Stem Cell Research Forward: The Need for Standardization

Thursday, January 28, 2010
11 a.m. Eastern, 8 a.m. Pacific, 4 p.m. GMT

Stem cell research has the potential to significantly impact a broad range of life science endeavors, ranging from improved drug discovery processes to revolutionary new therapeutics. The ability to control differentiation of stem cells into specialized cell types with high yield and precision is a key success factor that will determine the ultimate utility of such research. However, researchers are facing significant challenges in these efforts because stem cells are difficult to handle and there are very few automated or standardized tools available in this relatively new field. In this hour, we will hear from three panelists on the need for, and progress toward, a new level of standardization and automation in the management and handling of stem cell cultures and their differentiated progeny.

Webinar viewers will:

• learn about common hurdles to be overcome when culturing stem cells
• obtain guidance on best practices for handling and manipulating stem cells
• hear about the latest technologies for standardizing and automating stem cell culture
• have the chance to put their questions to the panelists live!

Participants:

• Ronald D.G. McKay, Ph.D. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
• Amy Wagers, Ph.D. Harvard University, Boston, MA
• Mark D. Noble, Ph.D. University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY

Denmark: Better, Faster, Stronger - Leading the Way in Translational Medicine

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 5 p.m. CET, 4 p.m. GMT, 11 a.m. U.S. Eastern, 8 a.m. U.S. Pacific

Translational medicine is a field that continues to grow rapidly. Encouraging, supporting, and developing both basic translational research and its therapeutic application is essential to building a strong foundation in science. This webinar will focus on what Denmark is doing in the area of translational medicine to advance research, strengthen ties between academia and industry, and provide a fertile environment for innovation and the practical application of new discoveries. Discussion will cover government initiatives (Danish and the European Union) to support translational medicine, as well as the infrastructure that has been put in place within Denmark to support and nurture domestic and foreign investment in this research.

During this webinar our panelists will:

• discuss the importance of translational research and its impact on scientific discovery and drug development within Denmark
• outline government and other programs that encourage partnerships between academic institutions and industry
• talk about the potential advantages for companies of relocation to Denmark to carry out translational research–related work
• answer your questions live!

Participants:

• Prof. Lars Arendt-Nielsen Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
• Prof. Liselotte Højgaard Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Dr. Niels Porksen Eli Lilly & Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
• Dr. Peter Høngaard Andersen H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark