| Often the spirit of research
lies in collaboration. Sharing ideas across boundaries enriches scientific
study and speeds advancements. It was in a spirit of collaboration
that the NSF-funded Georgia Tech/Emory Center for the Engineering of Living
Tissues (GTEC), an Engineering Research Center, participated in a conference
on regenerative medicine at the National University of Ireland at Galway
in July 2006. The conference, hosted by the Regenerative Medicine
Institute (REMEDI), and the subsequent planning meeting, allowed researchers
from GTEC, REMEDI, and the Mayo Clinic to meet and develop strategies for
further collaborative research and exchange between the organizations.
The conference featured over
twenty speakers who presented the latest developments in orthopedic, neurological,
and cardiovascular regenerative medicine. Featured research areas
included cellular therapy, gene therapy, biomaterials science, immunology,
and tissue engineering.
One of the central elements
of these new technologies is the transplantation of stem cells for the
repair or regeneration of tissues damaged by trauma or disease. Progress
in this field is dependent upon close alliances between scientists, clinicians,
and engineers. Our conference sought to advance these research ties
and expand our shared knowledge base, noted Frank Barry, REMEDI Scientific
Director.
Shortly before the conference,
Georgia Tech and REMEDI opened a joint applied research facility in Athlone,
Ireland. The facility takes full advantage of the expertise in both
organizations and will focus on industry research and development needs.
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