Co-Organizers of Largest Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Meeting Include: Genetics Policy Institute; Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; and Diabetes Research Institute
West Palm Beach – Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) announced today that the 8th Annual World Stem Cell Summit is scheduled for Dec. 3–5, 2012 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Genetics Policy Institute, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) have united to organize the world’s largest and most comprehensive multi-track interdisciplinary stem cell conference, featuring more than 170 renowned international speakers and 50 hours of in-depth programming in science, business and society tracks.
The Summit will feature prominent scientists, clinicians, industry leaders, regulators, policy-makers, advocates, philanthropists, economic development officers and experts in law and ethics, who will discuss the latest scientific discoveries, business models, translational issues, legal and regulatory solutions and best practices. The event is expected to attract 1,500 attendees from 25 nations, 70 exhibitors and more than 200 endorsing organizations and media partners.
South Florida was selected to be the location for the 2012 Summit because of the region’s commitment to biomedical research, as evidenced the numerous outstanding medical research institutions in the area and the local philanthropic community’s commitment to funding innovation in the life sciences.
Bernard Siegel, Founder of the Summit and executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute, stated, “Stem cell research and regenerative medicine represent the future of medicine. The World Stem Cell Summit unites the global stem cell stakeholders and has a track record presenting breakthrough science, providing networking opportunities and fostering public awareness to advance this burgeoning field. We are very proud to stage our 8th Annual Summit in the epicenter of global philanthropy, Palm Beach County, Florida.”
Dr. Joshua Hare, Director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami Miller School, said, “ Our Institute was established with the precise goal of unleashing the potential of stem cells through translational research, transdisciplinary collaboration and transformative medicine. The Summit is an extraordinarily prestigious event that will provide ISCI with a powerful platform to showcase our story to the entire world.”
Dr. Camillo Ricordi, DRI scientific director, stated, “Diabetes currently affects more than 360 million people worldwide and it is predicted that within the next 18 years the toll will pass the 500 million mark. Stem cells are central to ongoing cure-focused strategies at the DRI and at over 30 collaborating centers worldwide that comprise the DRI Federation and the Cure Alliance. The World Stem Cell Summit offers researchers and patients invaluable opportunities to learn, network and forge collaborations to reach our collective goals to accelerate therapies and find an ultimate cure for diabetes and other devastating disease conditions now afflicting humankind.”
Kelly L. Smallridge, President and CEO of Palm Beach County’s public/private economic development agency, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), remarked, “One of Palm Beach County’s greatest economic development wins was the successful recruitment of the Scripps Research Institute of Florida and the Max Planck Florida Institute. Now, the selection of the County to host the 8th World Stem Cell Summit marks another important milestone. The Summit will showcase our region leading to investment, revenue and overall positive economic impact to our area. We are thrilled to welcome the global regenerative community to our home.”
For more information about sponsoring or attending the World Stem Cell Summit, contact GPI Associate Director, Alan Fernandez at (650) 847-1640 or email alan@genpol.org. To learn more about the Summit, visit www.worldstemcellsummit.com.
About Genetics Policy Institute (GPI): GPI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation with the mission to promote and defend stem cell research and its application in medicine to develop therapeutics and cures for many otherwise intractable diseases and disorders. GPI pursues this mission through production of its flagship annual World Stem Cell Summit, publication of the World Stem Cell Report, the Stem Cell Action Awards, special projects, speaking engagements, teaching initiatives and strategic collaborations. For more information, visit www.genpol.org.
Media Contact: Mara Leventhal, GPI Communications Coordinator, 917-488-2877, mara@genpol.org.