Congratulations to Professor Ryan Lister from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia and Professor Bernard Tuch from the Australian Foundation for Diabetes Research and the NSW Stem Cell Network who have both been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM).
Ryan Lister is the genetics guru who teaches reprogrammed stem cells created from adult cells to forget their past.
Together with Professor Jose M Polo from Monash University and the University of Adelaide, their team developed a new method to reprogram human cells to better mimic embryonic stem cells, overcoming a long-standing challenge for the development of regenerative medicine.
We supported Ryan’s research earlier in his career with a $50,000 dollar 2015 Metcalf Prize for Stem Cell Research.
Endocrinologist and researcher Bernie Tuch has been searching for a cure for Type 1 diabetes for more than 40 years.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, making the body unable to manage blood sugar.
Bernie and his colleagues are using stem cells to produce new insulin-producing beta cells and encasing them in protective micro-capsules made from alginate – a gel-like substance obtained from seaweed. The micro-capsules are arranged on special scaffolding inside a small device that is transplanted under the skin. He hopes to bring this approach to human clinical trials in the near future.
Together with other donors, we are supporting Bernie’s research with up to $1million through our Matched Funding Program.
Read Perkins Institute story about Ryan’s award: perkins.org.au/prof-ryan-lister-am-recognised-for-lifes-work/
Read more about Bernie’s research: www.stemcellfoundation.net.au/bernie_tuch_showcase.
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