Programme Focus:
Stem Cell Research: A promised miracle or a future reality?

Stem cells have fascinated biologists, clinician scientists and the medical community for over a century. It’s how we all begin: stem cells develop into any one of more than 200 types of cells within the adult human body.

Stem Cells: What are they? Where are they in our body and why are they important? Where is stem cell research now and what are the opportunities for future prevention and cure? Is stem cell research a promised miracle only to dash our hopes?

There is little dispute with predictions of the tremendous potential that stem cell research holds for the future. One day stem cells may be used to replace or repair damaged cells and may have the potential to drastically change the treatment of conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The potential uses of stem cells can be limitless. Imagine the future possibilities when choosing to save your child's cord blood stem cells at birth, creating a perfect match to your baby and a probability of a match for the baby's siblings, parents or grandparents.

It’s a brave new world. However, the division over how to conduct the research has been deep and continues to be debated. Join us for an important educational forum about the most provocative and technically advanced area of medical research today.