PRESS RELEASES

31 October 2008

Janet Rossant to deliver annual Dame Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture

The UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN) has announced that Professor Janet Rossant, one of the world’s foremost developmental biologists from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, will deliver the second annual Dame Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture. The Lecture is the principal keynote address of the UKNSCN’s annual research conference, being next year in Oxford, 6-8 April.

Registration for the UKNSCN Annual Conference 2009 is now open and places can be booked at: http://www.uknscn.org/meetings/meetings09.html

Over several decades, Prof Rossant has been a pioneer in research to understand the basis of early embryo development and the origin of stem cells. Working on the mouse model to understand early human development, her work involves investigating the genetic controls that drive normal and abnormal early embryo development. This research is vital to both understand and ultimately treat a range of diseases that affect the embryo and also to better understand the origin of stem cells. During her work Prof Rossant discovered a different type of stem cell not seen by anyone before – a trophoblast stem cell, found in the placenta.

The annual memorial lecture honours the memory of Dame Anne McLaren FRS, herself a highly resepected early pioneer of the study of embryonic germ cells. Dr McLaren’s research directly contributed to the development of IVF treatments and stem cell techniques. Recognising her unique contribution to UK science during her lifetime, the UKNSCN invites a prominent female stem cell scientist to deliver the memorial lecture each year at its national conference. Prof Rossant was not only a scientific collaborator, but a close friend of Dr McLaren.

Prof Rossant said: “I am honoured to be asked to deliver this lecture in Anne's memory. Anne was a true pioneer in mammalian embryology and genetics. She used her scientific knowledge and influence to help guide the UK towards a   rational regulatory framework for human reproductive technologies and   embryonic stem cell research that has been a model for the rest of the world. She was a major role model for female scientists and a close friend and mentor to me for many years.”

Speaking on behalf of the McLaren family, Professor Susan Mitchie said: “We are delighted that the success of the first UKNSCN conference and keynote lecture is being followed by an address by Professor Janet Rossant.  Anne and Janet were close scientific colleagues and personal friends.  In 2007, the year Anne died, they were jointly awarded the March of Dimes Prize for their contributions to science's understanding of the entire cycle of mammalian reproduction and development. This was the first time the March of Dimes Prize was shared by two women, and brought to four the total number of women who had received this honor in 12 years.”

The Dame Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture is the main keynote address of the UKNCN Annual Conference. The conference, being held in 2009 at the Examination Schools in Oxford, is an opportunity to hear about and discuss the latest advances in UK stem cell research, together with keynote talks from high profile international stem cell researchers. Talks will cover the entire spectrum of stem cell research – including adult, embryonic, induced pluripotency, tissue engineering and social issues.

Media are invited to attend the UKNSCN Annual Conference. Attendance will be by advance registration. Full details about media briefings and media facilities will follow. To register your interest contact UKNSCN Media Relations.

ENDS

Contact

UKNSCN Media Relations
Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299, Mobile: 07766 423372
Direct email: matt.goode@bbsrc.ac.uk, Press Office email: ukpo@uknscn.org

Notes to Editors

The UK National Stem Cell Network acts as a network of the existing regional stem cell networks in the UK, to bring coordination and coherence to a range of national and regional activities in the field of stem cell research.

2009 will be the second UKNSCN Annual Conference. The inaugural conference attracted 350 delegates to Edinburgh in April 2008. Given the limited places and expected increase in overseas participation, early registration is recommended.

The UKNSCN secretariat receives financial support from four of the UK Research Councils:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Network represents the UK stem cell research community and is run through an independent Steering Committee. Initially, the secretariat is operated by BBSRC on behalf of all the Government sponsors of stem cell research, including the Research Councils, the Department of Health and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.