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Message from the President: Exciting Plans Ahead for SCN’s New Fiscal Year
April marks the start of a brand-new fiscal year at the Stem Cell Network, and I’m thrilled to share with you a few details about our plans for the year ahead. From a new research funding competition to be launched this Fall, to a wide array of engaging workshops and training opportunities, to the annual Till & McCulloch Meetings in November – we certainly have a busy and exciting year planned and we hope you’ll join us on the journey.
One of the key highlights for the upcoming year is the launch of our highly anticipated research funding competition later this fall. Expected to officially open in September, SCN’s robust research program is carefully designed to meet the needs of Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine community at all stages of the research continuum. Not only does SCN’s research program foster Canadian innovation and translational strengths, but it fortifies Canada’s position in a globally competitive sector. Be sure to watch CellLines and our social media channels over the coming months as we share information about key dates and deadlines and host educational webinars in the lead up to the competition.
In addition to our funding competition, we have an excellent lineup of training events, webinars and workshops planned for the upcoming year. SCN’s goal is to provide Canada’s regenerative medicine research community, from HQP through to investigators, with opportunities to build key skillsets and accelerate stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies across the research pipeline. To achieve this, SCN offers a comprehensive training program spanning four key pillars of activity: Core Skills for Academia, Foundational Skills for Industry, Commercialization of Research, and the Art of Clinical Translation. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a new trainee, there will be opportunities tailored to your needs and interests. Be sure to check out our upcoming training opportunities page to look at ahead and plan your training activities for the year.
I would be remiss if I also did not encourage you to take in the other events, conferences and training opportunities happening throughout the network by partner organizations. From the ISCT Annual Meeting in Vancouver, to ISSCR 2024 in Germany, to the 7th TERMIS World Congress in Washington – there is no shortage of opportunities to engage and collaborate with researchers across the country and around the world. Keep an eye out too for staff members from the Stem Cell Network at these events – please do come and say hello!
And finally, mark your calendars for the Till & McCulloch Conference, Canada’s premier stem cell and regenerative medicine conference, scheduled for November 4-6, 2024. This prestigious conference brings together leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders in stem cell research from across Canada and beyond. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging collaborations, and showcasing groundbreaking research findings. It’s an event you don’t want to miss.
As we reflect on the past year’s achievements and look forward to the opportunities ahead, I invite each of you to engage actively with the Stem Cell Network community. Your participation, insights, and contributions are instrumental in driving the field of regenerative medicine forward. I am confident that together, we will make significant strides in advancing stem cell research, translating discoveries into tangible therapies, and ultimately making a positive impact on human health.
Sincerely,
Cate Murray
President and CEO, Stem Cell Network