Five researchers. Five minutes each. Big ideas in stem cell science shaping the future of medicine.
Join us for five fast-paced lightning talks from leading Australian stem cell researchers. In under five minutes each, they will share the ideas driving their work and how stem cell research could shape future medical advances.
Take a seat on the gallery steps and discover how stem cells are helping us better understand diseases affecting the brain, lungs, muscles and kidneys. Presented by reNEW, this event showcases researchers working towards new treatments for diseases that are still incurable today.
This event is part of a day of free programming exploring the future of stem cell research through art and science. Across the day, enjoy talks, collaborative drawing, gallery tours and the EMERGENC[Y] exhibition.
You can also see Patricia Piccinini’s Células Madre, supported by the Melbourne arm of the transnational collaboration Hope Springs Eternal, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW.
Auslan available on request with bookings required 7 days in advance. More access information here.
Presented in partnership with The Melbourne node of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, based at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Part of National Science Week.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr Rhiannon Werder
reNEW Associate Investigator; MCRI Group Leader of the Lung Disease lab
Dr Rhiannon Werder is leading research utilising stem cell models of the lung to transform the discovery of new therapies for respiratory disease, including respiratory viral infections, such as COVID-19 and chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.
Dr Jessica Vanslambrouck
reNEW Associate Investigator; MCRI Team Leader in the Kidney Regeneration lab
Dr Jessica Vanslambrouck’s research has pioneered new approaches for creating kidney cells and 3D kidney organoids using cellular reprogramming, stem cell differentiation, and 3D bioprinting. Jessica is now using these new ideas to grow kidney tissue in the lab that could one day improve treatments for patients with kidney disease, for example, in bio-artificial devices.
Dr Roslyn Le Gautier
Postdoctoral researcher at reNEW Melbourne, based in the MCRI Stem Cell Ethics and Policy group.
Dr Roslyn Le Gautier’s research focuses on improving healthcare through ethical, practical and patient-centred approaches. With over 10 years’ experience coordinating, implementing and monitoring complex qualitative health research, Ros brings together researchers, patients and clinicians to help shape new treatments, including stem cell technologies, to meet patients’ needs.
Dr Callum Dark
Postdoctoral researcher at reNEW Melbourne, based in the MCRI Muscle Bioengineering lab
Dr Callum Dark grows muscle tissue in the lab, which acts and functions like the muscle in your body. Using electrical stimulation, Callum can test for attributes such as strength and endurance. Callum is looking to improve his muscle-models, so that he can find treatments for muscle conditions that affect people as they get older.
Dr Kellie Veen
Postdoctoral researcher at reNEW Melbourne, based in the MCRI Neural Stem Cells lab
Dr Kellie Veen makes 3D models of specific brain regions, using stem cells derived from patient samples. Kellie’s goal is to understand Alexander disease, a progressive and fatal childhood disease, with no effective treatment. Kellie is researching how the disease originates, progresses, and affects brain development, bringing her and her lab closer to the implementation of precise and effective therapies.
ABOUT THE HOST
Alanta Colley is a science communicator based in Melbourne. She is the founder and host of Sci Fight Science Comedy Debate, which brings together scientists and comedians to debate serious issues in a ridiculous manner. Sci Fight is a regular fixture in Melbourne at the Howler Bar and goes on a National tour when it feels like it. Currently she divides her time working as the program manager of the Melbourne Biodiversity Institute at the University of Melbourne and as a comedian, delivering her sell out show ‘Parasites Lost’ and 'Days of our Hives' at Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
