ISSCR Launches Stem Cells and Global Sustainability Scientific Meeting Series
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) launches a new scientific series today, Stem Cells and Global Sustainability, which explores the intersection of stem cell science and global sustainability issues. The four-part series is sponsored by Burroughs Wellcome Fund, BioLamina, NH Foods, and Olympus. Learn more and register.
“I am delighted that the ISSCR is shining a light on efforts in the stem cell research community to address biodiversity and sustainability issues, said Steve Kattman, Sana Biotechnologies, and a co-organizer of the program with Takanori Takabe, MD, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, USA and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan. “The digital series, ‘Stem Cells and Global Sustainability,’ brings together stem cell researchers, conservation biologists, global ecologists, and food industry innovators to discuss these critical global challenges and ways that Stem Cell Research could have an impact.”
Animal agriculture, a main contributor to global deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, is estimated to be the second largest cause of human-made global warming. Global warming is one of the most significant threats to biodiversity on the planet. Stem cell research and its application has the potential to remedy these problems.
While still in its nascency, the manufacturing of animal meat products in the lab may hold significant potential to reduce humanity’s reliance on climate-altering animal farming, enable cheaper access to protein sources, and curtail climate change fall out and climate change itself.
Yet another unforeseen application of stem cells is their potential use in the conservation of endangered species. From frozen zoos of endangered species to reproduction-related technological advances, stem cell-related applications can be harnessed to help conserve biodiversity on Earth.
The four-part scientific series will explore these topics:
3 February 202111:00 – 12:30 ESTEnvironmental Sustainability and Stem Cells: Why Stem Cells?The first program of the series will highlight the intersection between stem cell science and the global sustainability issues of species conservation and cell-based approaches to developing meat and fish products. What are some of the big issues that are driving the need for this approach and how can stem cells help?
Gerardo Ceballos Gonzalez, PhDUniversidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico
David Welch, PhDSynthesis Capital, USA
Steve Kattman, PhDSana Biotechnology, USA
Innovation Showcase brought to you by Burroughs Wellcome Fund
10 February, 202120:00 – 21:30 ESTEmerging Applications of Stem Cell Technology: Species Conservation
The number of endangered or extinct species is growing rapidly. What does it take to restore or sustain a population on the brink of extinction and can stem cell-based approaches play and role? If so, how? During the second program of the series, hear from conservation and stem cell experts as they discuss the latest species conservation efforts.
William Burnside, PhDNature Sustainability, USA
Takanori Takebe, MD, PhDCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA and Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Yokohama City University, Japan
Katsuhiko Hayashi, PhDKyushu University, Japan
Jeanne Loring, PhDScripps Research, USA
Oliver Ryder, PhD
San Diego Zoo Global, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, USA
17 February, 2021
11:00 - 12:30 ESTEmerging Applications of Stem Cell Technology: Commercial AgricultureThe use and application of cell-based approaches for commercial agriculture requires expertise in cell culture, bioengineering, manufacturing, and food sciences. The third program of the series will bring together experts in these fields to share insights in these processes and stimulate discussion.
David Mack, PhDInstitute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, USA
Shingo Kajimura, PhDBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, USA
Shulamit Levenberg, PhDFaculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Israel
Lauran Madden, PhDBlue Nalu, USA
23 February, 202106:00 - 07:30 ESTPromise and Challenges of Stem Cells in Global SustainabilityThe fourth and final program of the series will highlight the potential and the challenges of cell-based approaches to meat and fish alternatives from experts in the field and industry.
Mark Post
Maastricht University and Mosa Meat, Netherlands
Shoji Takeuchi, PhDGraduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo and Institute of Industrial Science, Japan
Anne Mullen, PhD
Nature Food, United Kingdom
Media registration is complimentary. Contact Kym Kilbourne at kkilbourne@isscr.org.
About the International Society for Stem Cell Research (www.isscr.org)With nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Additional information about stem cell science is available at A Closer Look at Stem Cells, an initiative of the Society to inform the public about stem cell research and its potential to improve human health.