11 April 2006
Scientists from Monash University and the Australian Stem Cell Centre will work with a leading Californian university to create a powerful new international collaboration in stem cell research.
The collaboration, with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), was announced overnight by Victoria's Minister for Innovation, Mr John Brumby, at Bio 2006 in Chicago. It will bring together more than 300 leading scientists in regenerative medicine and stem cell science and will underpin major collaborations between Victoria and California.
Under the initiative, the institutions will organise scientist exchanges, host joint workshops, develop joint grant applications share equipment and materials, and establish joint clinical trials and commercial developments.
Proposed areas of cooperation include work on basic human embryonic stem cell biology, neurological disorders, treating blood disease and transplant tolerance, cardiac regenerative medicine, and the treatment of diabetes -- through pancreatic regeneration -- and lung disease.
Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Professor Edward Byrne said the collaboration would provide a critical mass of stem cell researchers with a size and reputation to rival similar groups around the world.
"This is a fantastic development that will underpin some really great research in the years ahead," he said. "Research achievements in embryonic stem cell science at Monash and the Australian Stem Cell Centre will combine well with the research excellence in adult neural and cardiovascular medicine at UCSD. Already Professor Alan Trounson from Monash and Dr Larry Goldstein from UCSD are working together on a major grant application to develop tools for human embryonic stem cell research."
UCSD Chancellor Professor Marye Anne Fox said UCSD was committed to innovation, interdisciplinary scholarship and international outreach.
"The academic bonds we are developing with Monash University and the Australian Stem Cell Centre advance each of these initiatives, and will create tremendous opportunities for our faculty and our students," she said. "Through this agreement we will also strengthen the network of collaboration we are building throughout the Pacific Rim, which in turn will fuel the intellectual and economic engine that is driving California's steady rise as a world leader in science and technology."
For more information contact Ms Diane Squires +61 3 9905 9315 or 0417 603 400.
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