Stem Cell Research 101

Newswise — What: A one-day primer sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University for policymakers, journalists and citizens interested in stem cell research. Topics include the latest developments in both laboratories and legislatures and the debate over ethical issues.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 15; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. EST.

Where: Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Lincoln East and Monroe Rooms

Who (see below for detailed program):
* Researchers John Gearhart, Johns Hopkins; Howard Zucker, Columbia University
* Research leaders Chi Dang, Johns Hopkins; William B. Neaves, president, Stowers Institute for Medical Research
* Research funder Zach Hall, president, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
* Bioethicists Hilary Bok, Kathy Hudson and Ruth Faden, Johns Hopkins; Alfonso Gomez-Lobo, Georgetown University
* Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., co-sponsor of the Castle-DeGette Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, intended to accelerate progress toward medical breakthroughs by opening more stem cell lines to federally funded research.

Why: Stem cell research has opened the door to major advances in human health. Ethical and political concerns, however, greatly complicate the research. Stem Cell Research 101 will bring interested laypersons up to speed on the latest in the science and the debates about the science. It will bring frontline researchers, research policymakers, ethicists and political leaders together to discuss the issues from their perspectives.

Logistics: The cost, including lunch, is $125. Call 1-800-548-5481.

STEM CELL RESEARCH 101
November 15, 2005

9 a.m.: Stem Cells and Stem Cell Alternatives
John Gearhart, Ph.D. C. Michael Armstrong Professor in Medicine; Professor, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comparative Medicine, and Physiology; Co-Director, Stem Cell Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Howard Zucker, M.D., J.D., L.L.M. Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics and Clinical Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University

Moderator: Chi Dang, M.D., Ph.D. Vice Dean for Research; Johns Hopkins Family Professor in Oncology Research; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

10:30 a.m.: The Ethics of Stem Cell Research
Hilary Bok, Ph.D. Henry R. Luce Professor, Bioethics and Moral and Political Theory, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

Alfonso Gomez-Lobo, Dr. Phil. Ryan Family Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy, Georgetown University; Member, President’s Council on Bioethics

Moderator: Ruth Faden, Ph.D., M.P.H. Philip Franklin Wagley Professor of Biomedical Ethics; Director, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University

11:30 a.m.: Lunch
Keynote Address: The Legislative Landscape: Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del.

12:45 p.m.: The Politics of Stem Cell Research
William B. Neaves, Ph.D. President & CEO, Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Zach Hall, Ph.D. President, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; Professor Emeritus, Department of Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco

Ruth Faden, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Kathy Hudson, Ph.D. Director, Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University

Moderator: Julie Rovner; Health Policy Correspondent, National Public Radio