Wisconsin’s status as a stem cell leader was further cemented today by a ruling by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarding two stem-cell related patents to UW-Madison’s technology transfer arm, WARF (the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation). The decision is final and will mean that Madison will be the center of American stem cell research for years to come.

The challenge to the patents stemmed from a debate over the role of UW professor James Thompson in the development of stem-sell science. The consumer groups challenging the patents claimed that anyone with access to materials and funding could have accomplished the same breakthroughs as Dr. Thompson. The Patent Office disagreed.

This victory for the University of Wisconsin brings with it responsibilities for us as tax-paying supporters of vital and ground-breaking research both at UW-Madison and at the Medical College of Wisconsin. If the road to better regenerative medicine is going to run through Wisconsin, the world will count on us to be the guardians of that road. We owe it to people across the world suffering from Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s and more to redouble our efforts to fully support and fully fund life-saving research.

It was announced today that stem-cell enthusiasts in the general public will be able to participate in this fall’s World Stem Cell Summit in Madison. On September 21, the day before the two-day summit opens, the south shore of Lake Mendota will host “Lab on the Lake.”

The showcase title event will be real lab experience through which participants can experience hands-on methods that scientists use to grow and study stem cells. Lab on the Lake will include a Career and Education Fair, stem cell documentaries, expert panels, and music on the Memorial Union Terrace. It promises to be an exciting and education event for everyone who comes out.

In March the Genetics Policy institute announced that they will hold the World Stem Cell Summit right here in Madison – the home of stem cell research, reinforcing Wisconsin’s position as a world leader in stem cell science. The conference will attract 1,000 of the leaders in all aspects of regenerative medicine to the Alliant Energy Center (the old Dane County Coliseum) on September 22 and 23 of this year.

Among a host of exciting and free events open to the general public, a workshop will be held by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Space for this event is limited so biology teachers interested in attending should register now.