EESCN News
22 October 2008
New Chairman for East of England Stem Cell Network
After four years as Chairman of the East of England Stem Cell Network, Dr Mary Archer is handing over the reins to Dr Hermann Hauser, one of Cambridge’s best known entrepreneurs and founder of the Cambridge-based VC firm Amadeus Capital Partners.
Mary Archer
Dr Archer, who is Chairman of Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, has steered the Network from a government funded initiative in 2004 to a private, not-for-profit company with over 500 members. Managed on a part-time basis by ERBI’s Business Development Director Jeanette Walker, EESCN’s aim is to ensure that the East of England prospers in terms of patient benefit and economic output from stem cell science.
Hermann
Hauser
“Whilst this Region is recognised as a global centre of excellence in developmental and stem cell biology, EESCN’s ambition is for the cluster around Cambridge to play a major role in the translation of the fundamental science into routine patient treatments” explained Dr Archer, adding that a number of significant hurdles must be overcome if the Region is to realise this ambition. “For example, in addition to the scientific challenges, there is an urgent need for the industry to devise innovative business and investment models – the traditional biotech model doesn’t work for stem cell therapies – as well as developing novel manufacturing processes and equipment, defining clear regulatory pathways to market, and ensuring that the appropriate IP protection is in place to enable the commercialisation of the science”
Feedback from a recent EESCN workshop that explored the future of the stem cell sector in and around Cambridge suggests that much of the expertise that is needed to overcome these challenges already exists within the Cambridge region. The problem, according to Dr Archer, is that the expertise is dispersed throughout the various academic departments, research institutes, hospitals, companies and professional advisers. “Groups of experts tend to work in isolation, focussing their attention in their own area of expertise, unaware of the wealth of knowledge available in the area and so missing out on synergistic collaborations. So that’s where EESCN comes in - we provide a platform for people from all these different disciplines and backgrounds to meet, explore collaborations, exchange ideas, and share know-how as well as contacts and best-practice”.
The Directors of the Network believe that Dr Hauser, with his background both as an entrepreneur and as an investor, is the right person to steer EESCN through this exciting phase in the life of the Network. Commenting on his new appointment, Hauser said “We need to build on EESCN’s successful track record so that the academics, business executives, clinicians, policy influencers and the general public all pull together to secure the Region’s future in this challenging and fast-growing sector”.
Dr Archer confirmed that she intends to remain active in the Network as a member of the Steering Group. Alongside the new chairman, the Board of EESCN has expanded the breadth of its expertise through the appointment of Dr Richard Archer as a Director. Richard brings considerable experience in the manufacturing sector.
EESCN is sponsored by Helena Biosciences
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2007
2006
2005
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Other reports and publications
2006
Stem Cells: From Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine to Policy
A Conference Report
New knowledge from research into stem cell biology offers a number of insights into how cells develop and specialise which has meant that work in this field has huge potential to benefit human health. Stem cell-based therapies and technologies may be used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease to the repair of damaged bone or tissue.
The translation of breakthroughs in stem cell science into tangible medical advances requires not just researchers involved in fundamental research, but those with expertise in clinical medicine, tissue engineering, bioprocessing and drug development. Additionally, a range of regulatory, legal and policy issues must also be addressed to ensure that stem cell medicine develops within an appropriate framework that maintains public confidence.
The East of England Stem Cell Network's international symposium Stem Cells: From Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine to Policy took place on 19th- 20th April 2006, at Robinson College, Cambridge, UK. Over two hundred delegates heard about the latest scientific research taking place in Cambridge, and across the country, as well as the most recent national and international perspectives on the governance and regulation of this field.
This international symposium covered basic and translational stem cell research, as well as issues of regulation and policy and was organised by the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the University of East Anglia with the support of the East of England Stem Cell Network.
Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Stem Cell Therapy (2nd Edition)
A Briefing Paper supported by EESCN
An Overview of Stem Cell Research in the East of England
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2005
EESCN response to Department of Health consultation on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act
View a PDF of the EESCN response to this consulation by clicking here.
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