EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
U-M/Wayne State explore stem cell research

The University Research Corridor (URC) announces back-to-back seminars on stem cell research to be held on the campuses of Wayne State University in Detroit and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor next week.

Wayne State’s May 7 “Hot Topics Seminar” explores the scientific, social, economic and ethical implications of stem cell research is geared to the general public while U-M’s “Frontiers in Stem Cell Biology” symposium is primarily aimed at researchers. Both are free and open to the public.

MAY 7 EVENT: Wayne State University Hot Topics: Stem Cell Research Science, Politics, Ethics and Economics explores how stem cell research has brought us to the threshold of a new era of medical discovery, while also provoking one of the nation’s fiercest political and ethical debates.

Opponents fear the research destroys life and will lead to human cloning. Supporters say it is unethical to allow people to suffer with conditions that could be treated with these therapies, especially since embryonic stem cells are routinely discarded by fertility
clinics. Michigan law on the issue is among the nation’s most restrictive, hampering efforts to advance science, retain and attract top researchers, and bring new jobs to the state.

Guest speakers include:
• Marcia Baum, executive director of Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures (MCSCRC).
• Sean Morrison, director of the U-M Center for Stem Cell Biology.
• Former U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz.
• Dorothy Nelson, Wayne State assistant vice president for research.
• Randal Charlton, founder and CEO of Asterand, plc. and Entrepreneur in Residence and Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development at Wayne State University; and Interim Director of TechTown.
• Dr. Jeffrey Loeb, associate professor in neurology and molecular medicine & genetics, Wayne State School of Medicine.

TIME: Monday, May 7, 2007, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
(includes catered reception—10:30 to 11:00 a.m.)

PLACE: Green Auditorium, Scott Hall of Basic Medical Sciences, 540 E. Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 This presentation will be held in WSU’s School of Medicine, Green Auditorium in Scott Hall located at 540 E. Canfield Ave., Detroit, MI 48201. Valet parking is available at the DMC: Detroit Receiving Hospital.

SPONSORS: Hosted by the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics (CMMG), in coordination with the Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures (MCSCRC).

CONTACT: Please RSVP by contacting Deirdre Turner, program coordinator, CMMG at (313) 577-9019 or email dturne@med.wayne.edu.  

WEB LINK: http://research.wayne.edu/rw/2007/04/hot-topics-in-stem-cell-research-presentation-upcoming/  


MAY 9 EVENT: Top researchers specializing in stem cell biology will discuss their latest findings at the Life Sciences Institute\'s sixth annual symposium: Frontiers in stem Cell Biology.

Dr. Stuart Orkin, the David G. Nathan Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and chair of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute will kick off the meeting as the honorary Mary Sue & Kenneth Coleman Life Sciences Lecturer.

His research focuses on the development and function of the blood system, the relationship between cancer and stem cells, and the mechanisms responsible for self-renewal of stem cells. His efforts are directed toward understanding the nature and function of genes that control these processes and how disturbances in gene networks may lead to cancer.

TIME: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2007

PLACE: Biomedical Sciences Research Building Auditorium, University of Michigan

SPONSOR: Co-hosted by the U-M Life Sciences Institute and the U-M Center for Stem Cell Biology

WEB LINKS: http://lsi.umich.edu/newsevents/upcomingevents/sixthsymposium  







Contact: Joe Serwach
Voice: (734) 647-1844
Email: jserwach@umich.edu