Share this page
400 Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Experts from Canada and Around the World Gather to Discuss the Future of the Field
November 15, 2021 (Ottawa, ON) – Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine research community are coming together this week for the 2021 Till & McCulloch Meetings (TMM). This year marks the 10th anniversary for these meetings and the 60th anniversary of proof of the existence of stem cells by Canadians Drs. James Till & Ernest McCulloch.
This national event will be held virtually once again, but that is not deterring Canada’s world leading investigators from networking and sharing the latest advances taking place in labs across the country. Additionally, international experts from the United States, Europe and Asia will be there to discuss their research into developing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of numerous diseases and illnesses including: cancers, lung, muscle, liver, eye and cardiovascular disease. View the entire TMM program.
Beyond scientific talks, participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions regarding the ethical challenges presented by advanced therapeutics, learn strategies to combat bias and discrimination in science, and meet with leading scientific companies. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Derrick Rossi co-founder of Moderna, well known for its Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine. Today, he leads Convelo Therapeutics and will be speaking about Stem cell science and the genesis of new therapeutic strategies for patients.
Undoubtedly a TMM highlight will be the patient session with Damien Bernard and his clinical and research team. Mr. Bernard underwent a stem cell transplant that used his own stem cells to restore his sight. He will be sharing his experience and his advice for others thinking about participating in a clinical trial.
TMM also includes nearly 160 abstract presentations, sponsor exhibits, breakout sessions, and specific programming for career development and advancement.
Quotes
“This year we are celebrating many milestones at TMM, and we are thrilled to have Dr. James Till agree to join us to honour two up-and-coming Canadian researchers, Dr. Jeff Biernaskie and Darren Blackburn, who have been selected to receive the prestigious Till & McCulloch Award and the Drew Lyall Award. I look forward to connecting with them; and with the many trainees who participate at TMM and share their vision for where stem cell and regenerative medicine will take us.” Dr. Michael Rudnicki, Scientific Director, Stem Cell Network.
“This year the Stem Cell Network is celebrating its 20th anniversary and we are continuing to power innovative research that will provide life changing therapies for patients and their families. Much of this research will be shared through TMM. Regenerative Medicine is the future. In the past year alone, we have seen impressive investments made in Canadian-based companies that are the result of academic research. The sector is coming into its own and I am confident that it will provide the innovations, therapies and jobs of tomorrow.” Cate Murray, Executive Director & COO, Stem Cell Network.
– 30 –
About the Till & McCulloch Meetings
The Till & McCulloch Meetings are Canada’s premier stem cell research and regenerative medicine conference, attracting attendees from across the country and internationally since 2012. Hosted by the Stem Cell Network, the conference brings together world-class scientists, post-graduate students, industry experts and legal and policy scholars who will share the latest research advances and techniques in the field. The 2021 event is hosted virtually by the Stem Cell Network from November 15-17.
About the Stem Cell Network
The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a national not for profit organization that supports three main objectives: stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and supporting the knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, our goal is to power science that will benefit Canadians. SCN was created in 2001. With support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 196 world-class research groups, supporting 200 plus research projects and 24 clinical trials. Since its inception, 21 biotech companies have been catalyzed and more than 4,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period. For more information visit stemcellnetwork.ca.
Media contact:
Cate Murray
Executive Director & COO
613-979-6174
catemurray@stemcellnetwork.ca