Adult stem cells: a valuable resource for addressing reproductive health questions?

Precongress Course 4


SIG Ethics and Law SIG Stem Cells   Special Interest Groups Ethics and Law and Stem Cells

Course Coordinators
Jan-Bernd Stukenborg (Sweden), Nicola Williams (United Kingdom)

Course type
Advanced

Course description
This advanced precongress course delves into the emerging role of adult stem cells in reproductive health, exploring their potential to revolutionise treatments as well as their ethical implications. Through four comprehensive sessions, participants will gain insights from leading experts in the field, examining bioengineering, ethical considerations, disease modelling and regulatory aspects. Additionally, the course addresses the regulatory landscape and intellectual property challenges in stem cell research. This program is designed for researchers, clinicians and policymakers keen on advancing reproductive health through cutting-edge stem cell technologies.

Target audience 
Researchers, clinicians and policymakers keen on advancing reproductive health through cutting-edge stem cell technologies.

Needs assessment and expected educational outcomes

  • Enhanced knowledge of bioengineering practices
  • Ethical framework education
  • Regulatory guidance
  • Practical application training

A precongress course tailored to these needs could provide valuable insights and skills to professionals in this field, enhancing their ability to contribute to advancements in reproductive health technologies.

Participants will:

  • Understand the current state of research in bioengineered reproductive tissues and in vitro gametogenesis.
  • Analyse the ethical considerations and regulatory challenges in stem cell research.
  • Evaluate the potential of adult stem cells in modeling diseases and developing treatments.
  • Gain insights into the intellectual property landscape and its impact on innovation in stem cell research.


Innovative aspects of the course:

Integration of cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on ethical implications, an interdisciplinary approach, real-world applications, advanced research techniques, and collaborative opportunities.

Programme




Sunday 29 June 2025

Session 1: Bioengineered tissues, in vitro gametogenesis and the power of somatic cells
09:00 - 09:30
Building a stem cell-based primate uterus
Speaker invited, but not confirmed
09:30 - 09:45
Discussion
09:45 - 10:15
Generating gametes from iPSCs and the impact of the somatic niche
Speaker invited, but not confirmed
10:15 - 10:30
Discussion
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee break
Session 2: Reproductive futures: ethical reflections on potential treatments derived from stem cells
11:00 - 11:30
Bioengineered reproductive tissue and uterine factor infertility:  implications for current and developing treatment pathways
Nicola Williams, United Kingdom
11:30 - 11:45
Discussion
11:45 - 12:15
Balancing the ethical pros and cons of stem cell derived gametes
Speaker invited, but not confirmed
12:15 - 12:30
Discussion
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch break
Session 3: Disease models and potential treatment options in future
13:30 - 14:00
X-chromosome inactivation in Klinefelter patients iPS cells and its impact on early PGC, development
Qiaolin Deng, Sweden
14:00 - 14:15
Discussion
14:15 - 14:45
Adult stem cells in pre-pubertal klinefelter patients and potential clinical implications
Cristina Eguizabal, Spain
14:45 - 15:00
Discussion
15:00 - 15:30
Coffee break
15:30 - 16:00
Intellectual property and stem cell research: how can we encourage innovation and equity?
Speaker invited, but not confirmed
16:00 - 16:15
Discussion
16:15 - 16:45
Induced pluripotent stem cells and embryo models: navigating national restrictions on the creation of embryos for research
Speaker invited, but not confirmed
16:45 - 17:00
Discussion