Eleven leading stem cell researchers from major universities, research institutes and hospitals in the United Kingdom and Singapore will present their latest research findings to the participants at the symposium, which opened at the Biopolis on Monday.
They will discuss a broad spectrum of stem cell topics from basic stem cell biology to clinical applications. Areas covered include stem cell signalling, development, differentiation, regeneration, and cancer stem cells.
Two prominent experts in the field who will be speaking at the symposium include:
Dr Pete Coffey from the University College London. Dr Coffey is an expert in the use of stem cells to cure Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), an eye condition whose symptoms include blurred or distorted vision and trouble discerning colours.
The Stem Cell Symposium, jointly organised by A*Star 's Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC) and the British High Commission, is under the banner of the UK-Singapore Partners in Science programme.
Said Prof Alan Colman, Executive Director of SSCC and Chairperson for the symposium: 'This first UK-Singapore Partners in Science Stem Cell symposium will showcase the best that both countries have to offer in the march to the clinic. Singapore is certainly on the upswing.'
'I am delighted to see that stem cell related scientific publication output from Singapore has increased four-fold relative to the rest of the world over the last ten years.'
Added Mr Paul Madden, the British High Commissioner: 'The long-standing UK-Singapore scientific relationship is going from strength to strength, based on very close ties between outstanding institutions and individuals in our two countries.
'Today's event is an important catalyst to stimulate further collaboration Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines and progress in stem cell research.'
'This is a key frontier in science with enormous potential for curing some of the most medically challenging diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.'
The SSCC, which was set up to encourage and support clinical-oriented stem cell research throughout Singapore, will also launch its website at the symposium on Monday.
The SSCC website will act as a central repository for stem cell related news and activities both in Singapore and overseas; a comprehensive listing of stem cell investigators in Singapore; a Stem Cell Bank; and grant call information centre.
'We hope that with the website, SSCC will be able to facilitate better communication among the stem cell research community in Singapore and have investigators and clinicians - both senior as well as junior - collaborate more often and effectively as an outcome,' said Prof Colman.
