CHICAGO - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced at a press conference in Chicago that the World Stem Cell Summit will kick off with a free "Public Education Day" on October 3 at the Detroit Science Center.  The event will feature hands-on exhibits and expert panels as part of the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit produced by the Genetics Policy Institute and co-organized by the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, the University Research Corridor and Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"Stem cell science holds the promise to provide lifesaving treatments and I am delighted to see this important gathering of global dignitaries incorporating a day of public events for residents and visitors to learn more about this emerging field," said Granholm.  "Michigan has a longstanding commitment to growing the biotechnology industry with an infrastructure in place for basic scientific research, globally recognized scientists, major academic centers and modern laboratories."

"Michigan is poised to establish itself as a leader in stem cells and the growing regenerative medicine industry," Granholm added.  "The Public Education Day will be a fantastic opportunity for the public to learn more about the promise of stem cell research and the cures that will be coming soon."

The World Stem Cell Summit Public Education Day will provide "Stem Cell 101" lectures on the fundamentals of stem cell science, panels of patients and medical science experts describing the promise of the field to treat disease, advice and checklists to protect consumers from unproven treatments, regenerative medicine industry discussions, teacher workshops and film documentaries.

Michigan's growing life sciences industry employs more than 79,000, according to a recent study.  The state's three world-class research universities - the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University - experienced a sharp 11 percent increase in National Science Foundation funding, topping more than $1 billion in 2009.

The World Stem Cell Summit, scheduled for October 4-6, at the Detroit Renaissance Center, will bring together premier researchers, investors, industry leaders from more than 30 countries to Michigan to advance stem cell research and the promising technologies that will find cures.

The World Stem Cell Summit is the preeminent gathering for the global stem cell community promoting unity, understanding and harmonization.  The 2010 event welcomes the participation of the

Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, an organization representing 55 companies in the field of regenerative medicine, which will hold its general meeting as part of the summit.  The summit also will feature the 2010 Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner where the Genetics Policy Institute will recognize organizations and individuals who have most positively impacted the stem cell community.

The 2010 World Stem Cell Summit will be the sixth annual conference organized by the Genetics Policy Institute.  Previous summits have taken place in Houston, Palo Alto, Boston, Baltimore, and Madison, Wis.  Stem Cell Summit Public Education Day is being underwritten, in part, by a gift from the The Taubman Foundation. 

###