2018 Stem cells community information forum
On 16 August, the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) held their annual Stem Cells Community Information Forum. This year the event was hosted by Dr Damián Hernández, Research Fellow in Neuroregeneration Research group at the University of Melbourne, a partner of CERA.
The forum was presented by Dr Grace Lidgerwood, a Postdoctoral Researcher at CERA, Ms Sandra Staffieri, a PhD Candidate at CERA as well as a Clinical & Research Orthoptist, and Associate Professor Megan Munsie from the University of Melbourne and Stem Cells Australia.
Guests heard the latest updates on how researchers are using stem cells to better understand eye diseases from Dr Lidgerwood, the potential of stem cell science for children with eye cancer (retinoblastoma) from Ms Staffieri, and the importance of exercising foresight when it comes to claims of vision restoration with cell therapy from Associate Professor Munsie.
Topics covered were:
- Using stem cells to understand blinding eye diseases
Dr Grace Lidgerwood, Postdoctoral Researcher, Neuroregeneration Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia - Stem cells and retinoblastoma – a vision for the future
Sandra Staffieri, PhD Candidate Clinical & Research Orthoptist, Centre for Eye Research Australia - Understanding the role of your immune system: pitfalls and opportunities for cell therapy
Associate Professor Megan Munsie, Deputy Director, Centre for Stem Cell Systems, University of Melbourne; Head, Education, Ethics, Law & Community Awareness Unit, Stem Cells Australia
The information presented at the Stem Cells Community Information Forum was very well received by the audience, who enjoyed listing to the expects in the research field of eye disease.
One of the audience members remarked that “Each speaker had interesting points. Grace’s explanation of pluripotent stem cells and then the creation of the “artificial” ones from an adult helped my understanding”, while another commented “[The] presenters told it as it is, but gave you confidence.”
Click here to listen to the Stem Cells Community Information Forum.
Click here to view the Stem Cells Community Information Forum video.
For more information:
Visit the CERA website.
Dr Grace Lidgerwood is a member of the Centre for Stem Cell Systems; CERA is a number of our external network.
A/ Professor Megan Munsie, Sandra Staffieri and Dr Grace Lidgerwood at the stem cell forum.