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London centre lands $5M, top U.S. brain The gift will make the Robarts Research Institute a leader in stem- cell research. JOHN MINER, Free Press Health Reporter 2003-05-13 03:59:56 London's Robarts Research Institute will announce this morning it is receiving a $5-million gift that will catapult it to the fore in stem- cell research in North America. Robarts also will announce it has recruited a leading stem cell researcher from California as part of a strategy to reverse the brain drain of scientists to the U.S. Scientists believe stem cells could lead to treatments for spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. "It allows us to embark on an incredibly important area in medicine and research in a big science way as opposed to the traditional Canadian way of taking small steps," said Dr. Mark Poznansky, president and scientific director. The money is being donated by the Toronto-based Krembil Foundation to establish the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology. The 7,000-square- foot centre will occupy part of the expanded Robarts Institute. Poznansky said the $5 million is to be spent on research over four years. "We are becoming serious competitors with some of the major American laboratories," he said. As part of establishing the centre, Robarts has recruited Dr. Melissa Carpenter, who was scientific director of stem cell biology for Geron Corp. Poznansky said attracting Carpenter is considered a major coup for Robarts and continues a commitment to reverse the "brain drain." "She is fantastic," Poznansky said. Carpenter said she decided to move to Robarts because it concentrates so much energy on its stem-cell program. "I think it is going to be outstanding," she said. Carpenter said Dr. Mick Bhatia, group director of stem-cell research at Robarts, has done a remarkable job getting the research running in London. "He has a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm. Both he and Dr. Poznansky have tremendous vision. It is one of the best programs that I have seen." Stem-cell research at Robarts has concentrated on discovering whether stem cells can be used to treat spinal-cord injuries, diabetes and heart disease. The specialized cells have the ability to multiply and develop into many types of cells, such as insulin-producing cells of the pancreas or the beating cells of the heart muscle. The $5-million gift was to be announced at a Toronto news conference this morning. Poznansky said Robarts would make the announcement there "because we feel London has to have a greater presence in Toronto. "We are an important Canadian medical research institute located in London. We are very proud of being in London," he said. SOURCE: The London Free Press http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2003/05/13/85915.h tml * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn