Conference to examine Texas stem cell research

Conference to examine Texas stem cell research

BY B.J. ALMOND
Rice News staff

The complexities of Texas’ research policy on human embryonic stem cell research will be discussed during an all-day conference March 6 at Rice University’s James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy.

“The use of human embryonic stem cells in research has become a highly complicated and politically charged issue,” said Kirstin Matthews, conference organizer and science and technology postdoctoral research associate for the Baker Institute. “The goal of this conference is to introduce a new and more-effective dialogue regarding safeguards against reproductive cloning and other unethical practices while advancing research in Texas.”

Stephen Minger, an embryonic stem cell researcher from King’s College at the University of London; Arlene Chiu, director of scientific programs and review at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and Texas State Rep. Beverly Woolley are among the scheduled speakers for the meeting, which will examine future policy alternatives by highlighting some initiatives outside the state, including new efforts in the United Kingdom.

Titled “Stem Cells: Saving Lives or Crossing Lines? – Part II, Lessons Learned,” the conference is the second major stem cell conference in the Baker Institute’s Science and Technology Policy Program series under the direction of Neal Lane, the Malcolm Gillis University Professor and senior fellow in science and technology at the Baker Institute. The Baker Institute and the United Kingdom Science and Technology Section of the British Consulate General are hosting the gathering.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in James A. Baker III Hall, with a reception afterward.

To attend, Rice students, faculty and staff should R.S.V.P. by e-mail (bipprsvp@rice.edu) or fax (713-348-5993) by March 1.