OTTAWA, September 22, 2023 – Research Canada is pleased to announce our highly anticipated Parliamentary Health Research Caucus event, Breakthrough Stem Cell Research and the Power of Regenerative Medicine, which we are delighted to co-host with the Stem Cell Network (SCN) on December 5, 2023 in Ottawa.

This two-part, invitation-only day will bring together top regenerative medicine and stem cell researchers to highlight the innovative work being done across the country and explore the future of the field. Through our expert Panel Presentation and subsequent Luncheon, we will also address the complexities of access and affordability of cell and gene therapies for Canadians.

“In Canada, regenerative medicine and stem cell research have garnered significant attention and investment, contributing to advancements that hold promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” says Dr. Tarik Möröy, Chair of Research Canada and Director of the Hematopoiesis and Cancer Research Unit at the Montréal Clinical Research Institute.

Since the definitive confirmation of stem cells by two Canadian researchers in the 1960s, the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine research has made significant advances and has the potential to revolutionize health care and address a wide range of medical conditions. As a national research leader dedicated to accelerating regenerative medicine and its translation for the benefit of Canada, the Stem Cell Network supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research, training of next generation talent, and knowledge mobilization.

“Regenerative medicine is the next frontier of health and an important economic driver,” says Cate Murray, President and CEO of the Stem Cell Network. “Canada has been a leader in this field from the start, and it is Canadian stem cell and regenerative medicine researchers who are unlocking leading-edge treatments for diseases such as type 1 diabetes, muscular dystrophy, lung and heart disease, as well as for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. We’re honoured to partner with Research Canada to showcase Canadian achievements and discuss how our country can move cell and gene therapies from the bench to the bedside.”

“We are proud to work together with the Stem Cell Network to help showcase some of this life-changing work directly to Parliamentarians and other key decision makers in the health research and innovation ecosystem,” adds Deborah Gordon-El-Bihbety, President and CEO of Research Canada.

Further event details will be available in the coming months.

About Research Canada
Research Canada is a national alliance dedicated to increasing investments in health research through collaborative advocacy and engaging government, academia, industry and non-profit sectors to build support for long-term health research funding. For more information, visit rc-rc.ca.

Since 2009, Parliamentary Health Research Caucus events on Parliament Hill have helped to educate politicians on the social and economic benefits of Canadian health research and innovation, as well as introduce them to the multi-sector partnerships among academic, private sector and health charity stakeholders essential to a robust health research enterprise and innovation system.

About the Stem Cell Network
The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 6,400 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period.

– 30 –

For inquiries:
Christie Tomkins
Manager of Policy and Public Affairs
Research Canada
613-234-5129
ctomkins@rc-rc.ca