Stem Cell Network announces two new appointments to its Board of Directors

July 10, 2018 (Ottawa) – The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is pleased to announce the appointments of Julie Fradette and Tamer Mohamed to its Board of Directors, effective June 26, 2018. SCN’s Board is comprised of 12 Canadian leaders, representing research, industry, healthcare and the not-for-profit sectors.

“Julie and Tamer will bring new and important insights and expertise to our Board as we look forward to continuing our national leadership in translating stem cell and regenerative medicine from the lab to the clinic. I welcome them both and look forward to their contributions over the coming years,” said Dr. Michael Rudnicki, SCN’s Scientific Director.

As a professor at the Université Laval, researcher at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, and Director of the Quebec-based ThéCell network, Dr. Fradette brings a wealth of research leadership, particularly in the area of tissue engineering and adipose-derived stem cells. Mr. Mohamed is an entrepreneur, engineer and inventor who founded Vancouver’s Aspect Biosystems in 2013 and serves as President and CEO. 

Dr. Fradette commented, “Not only has the Stem Cell Network supported many scientific advances in regenerative medicine over the years, it has also fostered the careers of hundreds of young researchers. As someone who feels strongly about mentoring the next generation, I am truly excited by the opportunity to support the organization as it delivers new opportunities and health advances for Canada.”

“Regenerative medicine is about so much more than biology – it’s about designing integrated solutions across many disciplines to translate research into clinical and commercial applications. SCN is globally recognized for putting together the right teams and support to enable Canada to break new ground in this space, thereby ensuring we can compete in the global market. I look forward to working with SCN to continue this agenda,” said Mr. Mohamed.

SCN also wishes to acknowledge and thank Drs. Rod McInnes and Jacques Galipeau for their contributions and longstanding service as Board members, both of whom recently retired from SCN’s Board.  

A full list of SCN’s Board members, with biographies, can be found at: https://stemcellnetwork.ca/about-us/governance/

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About the Stem Cell Network: Building Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine research sector has been the raison d’être of the Stem Cell Network (SCN) since its inception in 2001. In just over 17 years, SCN has forged a national community that has transformed stem cell research in Canada, brought research to the point where regenerative medicine is changing clinical practice and established an outstanding international reputation. SCN has pushed the boundaries of what was a basic research area towards translational outcomes for the clinic and marketplace. By the end of 2017, SCN had provided more than $100 million for innovative translational research. This funding has benefitted 169 world-class research groups and more than 2,500 trainees from across Canada. SCN has catalyzed 18 clinical trials and 16 regenerative medicine start-up companies. SCN investigators have leveraged upwards of $100 million in partner contributions while SCN has incubated several international and Canadian research networks and organizations. www.stemcellnetwork.ca

Contact:

Lisa Willemse
Interim Communications Director
Stem Cell Network
lwillemse@stemcellnetwork.ca