DETROIT-Allen Goodman, professor in the Department of Economics at Wayne State University, will take part in a discussion titled "Economic Development-Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine as an Engine for Economic Growth" during the World Stem Cell Summit, which will run Oct. 4-6 at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit.

One of the featured focus sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 5, the "Economic Development-Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine as an Engine for Economic Growth" segment will take place at 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Columbus Ballroom on the fourth floor of the Renaissance Center.

Goodman is renowned for his work examining the economic impact of various health economics policies and programs. One of his most prominent studies, the Michigan Stem Cell Economics Study (published in September 2008), helped to reignite the discussions around the November 2008 ballot initiative Proposal 2, which he argued would save the state tens of millions of dollars annually. The study also found that the initiative could help create biotech jobs and provide relief for 770,000 Michigan residents with spinal injuries, Parkinson's disease and many other debilitating illnesses.

The study garnered praise from the Michigan Citizens for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (MCSCR), a pro-embryonic stem cell research group that does not back specific ballots due to its nonprofit status.

For more information about the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit, visit http://www.worldstemcellsummit.com/.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.