EAST LANSING, Mich. — Curing combat-related and crippling spinal cord injuries, treating currently untreatable cancer, resolving musculoskeletal impairments, advancing regenerative medicine—these are topics that will be discussed by stem cell experts from top laboratories around the world when they gather this fall in Rochester, Michigan.

The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) and the Oakland University William Beaumont Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) are organizing partners of the Second Midwest Conference on Stem Cell Biology and Therapy October 5-7, 2012 at Oakland University.

“This is an extraordinary event for stem cell researchers,” said Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, PhD, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Acting Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Student Research Programs at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, an active stem cell researcher, and member of the organizing committee for the conference. “New advances are occurring in stem cell research at an increasing pace and this conference is an opportunity for us to share new discoveries and explore new possibilities with colleagues in nearby institutions, facilitating collaboration in novel ways. We are proud to be one of the sponsors of this event and support the efforts of our colleagues at Oakland University, who have brought many universities, hospitals, and other stakeholders together with this event. Research in stem cells in veterinary medicine is important both for the animals we need to treat as well as for effective translational models for human therapies. “

Researchers from hospitals, medical organizations, academic institutions, and the business community throughout the country will discuss not only the latest advances in this rapidly expanding field of medical science, but the ethical and moral issues that surround it.

Some of the main themes of the plenary sessions will include early childhood/developmental disorders, age-related diseases, cardiac tissue regeneration, degenerative diseases and disorders, musculoskeletal and skin impairments, spinal cord injuries, cancers, regenerative medicine, comparative studies in various species, biobanking, funding and collaborations, drug design and discovery, and stem cells and law.

Oakland University’s ISCRM was officially launched at the GPI 2010 World Stem Cell Summit in Detroit. "There are unlimited opportunities in the rapidly progressing areas of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine," said Dr. Rasul Chaudhry, director of the ISCRM. "This conference is a great way to showcase not only Oakland University and the ISCRM, but the strength of academics and research in Michigan as a whole.”

The conference is open to the public, and physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others in health care professions may be able to earn continuing medical education credits by attending.

Registration is $300 and $150, residents and post-doctoral students. Registration is $350 for the public and $175 for students. Optional workshops are $100. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information on the Second Midwest Conference on Stem Cell Biology and Therapy, visit the website at www.oakland.edu/scbt.

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, a world-renowned institute of veterinary education, strives to develop a diverse academic community that fosters scholarly activity and encourages exemplary human qualities. The College imparts the art and science of veterinary medicine to its students, which is expanded by research, and extended to the public for the benefit of animal and human health. With more than 100 years of teaching excellence, CVM continues to prepare leaders, life-savers, and world changers to meet the challenges of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

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