Scottish universities to partner with Stanford in stem cell research project

By SCOTT MACNAB
Published on 21/06/2012 15:49

PIONEERING new stem research is to be carried out in a new partnership between Scottish and Californian research scientists, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.

• Study will examine how to grow new stem cells to treat brain or spinal cord injuries and conditions like Parkinson’s

Scientists from Heriot Watt and St Andrews universities - together with their counterparts in California - are to carry out the groundbreaking research as part of the Scottish Universities/Stanford University (SU2P) programme.

Mr Salmond heard details during a visit today to Stanford University, on the final day of his four day trade mission to the United States today.

He said: “Working with researchers here at Stanford, academics from Heriot Watt, St Andrews, Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities are at the cutting-edge of scientific endeavour that could transform the lives of millions of people.

“This research has the potential to lead to incredible medical breakthroughs that could not only give new hope to millions but contribute enormously to the economies of both Scotland and California.

“The SU2P programme, of which this new research is part, is an excellent example of how we can harness our own country’s talents and work in collaboration with international partners to achieve more than the sum of our parts.”

Professor Tom Baer, Executive Director of the Stanford Photonics Research Center (SPRC) and the SU2P programme at Stanford University said: “Translating advances in the life sciences into medical practice and transforming cutting-edge technologies into ground-breaking diagnostic tools have been major focuses of stem cell research and applied physics activities at Stanford.”

The SU2P programme actively encourages links with business - with the support of Scottish Development International - to turn scientific advances into commercial advantage for Scotland and California.

Related Articles

• Cambridge? I’d rather be in Dundee

  David and Birgitte Lane’s drive to work is short but it takes them through rolling green Scottish countryside. They live close to both the sea and the mountains and the air is fresh and clean. The roads are quiet and uncongested.

• Scotland's top 50 powerful women

  THEY REPRESENT many walks of life, come from every background and range in age from late eighties to mid-thirties. From Lorraine Kelly - "Oprah North" - to Anna Gregor - battling to improve Scotland’s cancer services - the names on our list represent the 50 women who are doing most to shape Scotland’s future. Whether Scots by birth or adoption, they share a burning desire to succeed, a willingness to use their talents for the greater good and a commitment to putting Scotland on the map.

• 'Backwater' still overflowing with enlightened ideas

  WE have a lot to thank David Hume and Adam Smith for. After all, while to some they may just be a name on a plaque or a guano-covered statue on Edinburgh's High Street, their intellect resulted in the creation of the modern world we know today.

• Mind control

  LIKE any other 25-year-old male, Matt Nagle loves to channel surf. The stocky former high school American football player flicks up and then down through the channels of his television, before adjusting the volume from the comfort of his chair. He then turns his attention to his computer, moving the mouse cursor across the screen to open an e-mail that has been waiting for him. The message "you're doing well" visibly delights him.

• Michael J Fox interview: Strong foundations

  AFTER going public, a decade ago, about living with Parkinson's, actor Michael J Fox has used his star power to raise huge sums to combat the degenerative condition – and transform the whole research culture