Stem Cell Lightning Talks
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.
Event details
2:30PM-3:30PM, Saturday 15 August
Science Gallery Melbourne
114 Grattan St
Parkville VIC 3010
This is a free event.
Meet the researchers
Dr Rhiannon Werder
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
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
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
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
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.
Partners
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.