Exploring the Frontiers of Cancer Research

James Thomson, one of the leading scientific innovators in stem cell research, will deliver a free public lecture at UC Santa Barbara titled "Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Implications for Basic Cancer Research" on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 1701 of the Theatre and Dance Building.

The event, which is co-sponsored by the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and the Doreen J. Putrah Cancer Research Foundation, is part of UCSB's Frontiers in Cancer Research lecture series that brings prominent scientists to the community to discuss their groundbreaking advances in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Thomson, who has been described as the father of stem cell research, is a John D. MacArthur Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, a faculty member of the Genome Center of Wisconsin, and an adjunct professor in UCSB's Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

He has conducted pioneering work in the isolation and culture of nonhuman primate and human embryonic stem (ES) cells––undifferentiated cells of the body.

Human ES cells provide researchers with unprecedented access to the cellular components of the human body, with applications in basic research, drug discovery, and transplantation medicine.

The current focus of Thomson's research is on understanding how ES cells can form any cell in the body; how an ES cell chooses between self-renewal and the initial decision to differentiate; and how a differentiated cell with limited developmental potential can be reprogrammed.

Because space is limited, reservations are required.

Please call (805) 893-5819.