NUI Galway has joined forces with 90 other European universities and medical labs to raise public awareness and understanding about stem cell research.
The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI ) at NUI Galway is part of a new EuroStemCell project which connects European citizens with stem cell research. The project’s main component is a website www.EuroStemCell.org which acts as a multi-lingual portal composed by researchers.
The project explores stem cell research, and maps what level stem cell research is at in the different countries involved in the project. The website aims to dispel myths surrounding stem cell research, and give clear, accessible, and comprehensive information and knowledge to the public.
The EuroStemCell consortium of scientists, clinicians, specialist communicators, science museums, and educators will work together to develop the EuroStemCell.org website into a dynamic, multilingual, information hub. The site will provide current analyses of the latest scientific developments, ethical issues, and regulations. It will also develop and act as a central repository for stem cell resources, teaching tools, and activities.
Representatives from REMEDI will be involved in all aspects of the project from contributing to the website, to the collation and development of resources for public engagement for educators and evaluation of those resources.
Programme manager at REMEDI, Kieran Ryan said: “REMEDI are extremely proud to be leading a strand of the European Union FP7-funded EuroStemCell project. The quality and pedigree of the other partners involved in this project reflects very strongly on the achievements of REMEDI and NUI Galway in this emerging scientific area. Our involvement in EuroStemCell will ensure that Ireland is at the heart of the European discourse on regenerative medicine and we are very excited about contributing to this valuable endeavour.” EuroStemCell.org arose out of a previous stem cell research project and has since been actively supported by scientists. The current project has been awarded €830,000 by the EU’s Framework 7 programme. The website already provides information and educational tools from short films to frequently asked questions, news pieces, and teaching materials.
