Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles to Co-Organize World Stem Cell Summit, Pasadena, Oct. 3-5

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) announced that the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles will serve as one of the co-organizers of the 2011 World Stem Cell Summit scheduled for Oct. 3 – 5, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

“Canada believes very strongly in the importance of cross-border innovation and collaboration in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine”

Bernard Siegel, founder and co-chair of the Summit and executive director of the Genetics Policy Institute said, “We are honored to have the Government of Canada as a partner of the Summit. We recognize that the earliest discoveries proving the existence of stem cells occurred in Canada with the pathfinding work of James Till and Ernest McCulloch". Mr. Siegel added that “Canada’s leadership in the field continues to this day and we are delighted to showcase Canadian contributions to regenerative medicine on the Summit platform. The World Stem Cell Summit strives to unite the global community of stakeholders and the Government of Canada’s participation is a true validation of our mission.”

Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles David Fransen stated, “Canada believes very strongly in the importance of cross-border innovation and collaboration in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine”. Mohammad E. Kondri, Trade Commissioner, Life Sciences Officer of the Consulate General of Canada will serve as a Summit co-chair.

The World Stem Cell Summit is the largest interdisciplinary and networking stem cell conference in the world featuring more than 170 prominent presenting scientists, business leaders, regulators, policy-makers, advocates, economic development officers and experts in law and ethics. The program addresses the latest scientific discoveries, business models, economics, funding, legal and regulatory solutions and best practices. It is expected to attract attendees from 25 nations, 60 exhibitors and 200 endorsing organizations and media partners.

Other co-organizers of the 2011 World Stem Cell Summit include Genetics Policy Institute, City of Hope, Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute, California Institute of Technology, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California.

For more information about sponsoring or attending the World Stem Cell Summit, contact Alan Fernandez at [phone] or email [e-mail]. To learn more about the Summit, visit: www.worldstemcellsummit.com

About Genetics Policy Institute (GPI): GPI is a 501c3 nonprofit foundation with the mission to promote and defend stem cell research and its application in medicine to develop cures. GPI pursues this mission through production of its flagship annual World Stem Cell Summit, publication of the World Stem Cell Report, special projects, speaking engagements, teaching initiatives and strategic collaborations.

Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles is responsible for promoting and enhancing Canada’s relationship with Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico in the areas of trade, investment, science and technology, and on issues that impact both Canada and the United States. The Consulate General (along with its satellite office in San Diego) has helped to build strong ties among world-class academics, research institutions and the biomedical industries in Canada and California. Website: www.losangeles.gc.ca