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Stem Cell Awareness Day, 25 September, 2008
Stem Cell Awareness Day was organized by Monash Immunology & Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL) on Thursday 25 September 2008. This free, open event took place at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University and attracted close to 500 registrants, including general public, students, patients and their carers, and patient advocacy groups. The event received state and national-wide media coverage from both, press and television.
The aim of the Stem Cell Awareness Day was to provide a greater understanding about all aspects of both embryonic and adult stem cell research, and the range of potential of stem cells' therapeutic applications.
The official opening of the day by the Victorian Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings was followed by the video link with the Californian Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the world's largest granting organization for stem cell research.
Two sessions, morning and afternoon, consisted of a number of presentations by stem cell experts, including scientists, clinicians, politicians and patients, and covered the current state of stem cell science, ethics, law and potential clinical applications. The forum's participants had ample opportunity for an accessible and lay-level discussion with leading stem cell researchers and clinicians.
It is expected that this first Stem Cell Awareness Day will be the forerunner of a regular event at Monash University.
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