OIRM Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium showcases the importance of partnership in research

Toronto, Ont. – March 1, 2018 – On Wednesday, May 9, 2018 the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine (OIRM) will host their annual Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium. With a theme of “Problem Solving with our Partners,” OIRM’s goal is to enable more Ontario research to bridge the gap between the lab and clinical trials.

“Our Symposium is a great chance for many of Ontario’s top clinicians and scientists to come together to present their findings and learn from the work of others,” says Dr. Duncan Stewart, president and scientific director for OIRM. “This event is an important opportunity for researchers in regenerative medicine, along with their trainees, to showcase the leading-edge research work being done in this province.”

In addition to an impressive line-up of speakers, OIRM will announce their latest round of funding at the Symposium. Currently, the Institute funds more than 15 projects across the province, including the work of Ottawa’s Dr. Bernard Thébaud to develop new cell treatments for lung injury in premature infants and Toronto’s Dr. Freda Miller, who is looking at repairing white matter in the brain following disease or injury in children.

“Every year, regenerative medicine progresses in leaps and bounds,” says Sandra Donaldson, OIRM’s vice-president and COO. “We are so pleased to be able to financially support researchers in this province who are working towards improved treatments and cures.”

In addition to top Ontario experts, the Symposium will highlight discovery science, including researchers who have been funded through OIRM’s New Ideas program. This program emphasizes very early stage research, which needs initial funding to determine its efficacy.

The Symposium’s keynote presentation will be given by Dr. Charles Murry of the University of Washington, who is a leading expert on heart regeneration. His work focuses on stem cell biology, emphasizing differentiation of the human cardiovascular system and using these cells to study diseases and regenerate damaged tissue.

For more information or to register, visit the OIRM Eventbrite page.

About OIRM:

The Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine (OIRM) is a non-profit stem cell institute funded by the Ontario government and dedicated to transforming discoveries into clinical trials and cures. Through our commitment to collaboration and partnerships, we leverage our resources to fund and support promising advances. OIRM is a passionate champion for investigators and their patients as we build a healthier future for Ontario, Canada, and the world.

Media Contact:

Krista Lamb
Director, Communications and Marketing
OIRM
647-403-5627
krista.lamb@oirm.ca