January 4, 2007

stem cell breakthroughs under threat?

Speakers:
Prof Ian Wilmut, Head of the Dept of Gene Expression and Development, Centre For Reproductive Biology
Dr Lyle Armstrong, Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University
Prof Stephen Minger, Senior Lecturer and Director of Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, King’s College London
Prof Chris Shaw, Professor of Neurology and Head of Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London
Prof Anne McLaren, Group Leader, Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute

As pointed out in our press release reacting to the DH White paper (Review of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act) published before Christmas, leading scientists fear that the Government may be planning to ban procedures which propose to transfer human genetic material into host animal eggs for research (otherwise known as chimeras) because of public concerns voiced in response to the DH consultation. The Science Media Centre has invited representatives of the three groups who are applying to the HFEA for a license to do this research to brief journalists on why they believe it is essential and voice their concerns about any moves to delay or ban it.