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Canada NewsWire Toronto foundation donates $5 million to stem cell research: Gift attracts leading scientist from California TORONTO, May 13 /CNW/ - Canadian stem cell research got a significant boost today with the announcement of a $5 million gift from the Krembil Foundation to establish the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology at Robarts Research Institute in London, Ont. Already a Canadian leader in stem cell biology, Robarts has construction under way on the 7,000 sq. ft. Krembil Centre, set to open later this year as part of the Institute's seven-storey $29.5 million building expansion. It will house three new laboratory facilities for flow cytometry, molecular pathology and stem cell culture. Group director Dr. Mick Bhatia, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, is now also supported as the Krembil Chair in Stem Cell Biology. As well, the Institute has recruited another leading stem cell scientist, Dr. Melissa Carpenter from the San Francisco Bay area, to join the Robarts team. "For this research to really move forward it requires an understanding of fundamental processes in stem cell biology, and Robarts has a proven track record in building a program of excellent research in this area," said Dr. Carpenter, former Director of Stem Cell Biology at Geron Corp., a Bay-area biotech company that collaborates widely with research institutes and universities worldwide in developing stem cell technology. "At Robarts, there is talent across so many disciplines - transplantation, immunology and imaging - and having access to that under one roof will definitely help accelerate our research." Part of the Krembil Foundation's mandate is to support world-class research that has the possibility to make a significant difference in peoples lives. "I am sure everyone has heard of stem cells and their exciting potential," said Foundation President Mark Krembil. "It is this potential, along with Dr. Bhatia's scientific skills and his drive and enthusiasm, that helped convince the Krembil Foundation that this was the right place to make a donation." Dr. Mark Poznansky, President and Scientific Director of Robarts, said the Krembil gift affirms Robarts' position as a leader in emerging and promising areas of science - and it continues an ongoing commitment to reversing the "brain drain". "This is really an opportunity for us to accelerate our work in the areas of diabetes, heart disease and neuro-degenerative disorders," Dr. Poznansky said. "It's extremely encouraging to see a private foundation with the strength and vision to bring about this kind of investment in science. And with the recruitment of Dr. Carpenter, we've found an excellent, experienced addition to our stem cell biology team." -30- For further information: Linda Quattrin, Robarts Director of Communications, at (519) 318-5601. SOURCE: Canada NewsWire http://www.newswire.ca/releases/May2003/13/c0670.html * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn