This stem celli meeting, held in Lugano, Switzerland, has a particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease. 

The first day focuses on GMP regulation of stem cell therapies and process manufacturing. The second day is dedicated to the latest benchmarking and some ongoing clinical trials focusing on cellular therapy after acute STEMI and in chronic ischemic diseases. The meeting concludes with a discussion about present controversies and future challenges.

Lund, Sweden: 2-3 October 2008

The main focus of this workshop will be on ethical aspects of interspecies embryo research. Scientific, ethical and regulatory
aspects will be discussed. Why do scientists want to carry out such research? Are there important distinctions between different types of inter-species embryos? What ethical concerns does such research raise? How should these concerns be addressed and dealt with?

Saariselka (Near Ivalo Airport), Lapland, Finland

Participants
Pre- and post-doctoral scientists as well as technical staff. Roughly half of the 50 expected participants will be from outside ESTOOLS consortium's research units. It will provide intensive training in key aspects of embryonic stem celli biology.