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Granholm Says Stem Cell Science Holds Promise of Lifesaving Treatments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2010

In radio address, governor encourages people to attend stem cell public education day 

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today encouraged citizens to learn more about the potential of stem cell research by attending a free public education day on Sunday, October 3 at the Detroit Science Center, part of the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit that opens next week in Detroit. 

"Stem cell science holds the promise of providing lifesaving treatments for millions of people with spinal cord injuries, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other diseases," Granholm said.  "From around the world, this summit will bring together scientists, patients, educators, business people and policymakers to advance stem cell research and the promising technologies that will find cures." 

The governor said there are many misconceptions about stem cell research. 

"That's why it's so exciting that as part of the World Stem Cell Summit there will be a free stem cell public education day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 3 at the Detroit Science Center," Granholm said.  "People will be able to learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs, ask questions of leading experts, experience hands-on lab activities, and much more." 

"There also will be a separate series of seminars and workshops specifically aimed at science teachers to provide them with training and materials to take back to their classrooms," Granholm said. 

For more information on the free stem cell public education day, and on the summit that runs October 4-6, visit www.worldstemcellsummit.com.

"Life sciences is one of the sectors we're growing to help diversify our economy and create jobs," Granholm said.  "The choice of Michigan for the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit is further evidence that our state is becoming a leader in stem cell research and the growing regenerative medicine industry." 

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state.  The address is available for download on the governor's Web site at www.michigan.gov/gov together with a clip of the quote above.  The radio address also is available as a podcast on the Web site as well as on iTunes and via RSS feed for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.  Links to the audio files and text of today's address follow.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Radio Address - Stem Cell Summit 

Full:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov269Full_334016_7.mp3
Edited:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov269Edit_334017_7.mp3
Quote:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov269Quote_334018_7.mp3

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm. 

Stem cell science holds the promise of providing lifesaving treatments for millions of people with spinal cord injuries, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.  And next week, Detroit will host the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit.

From around the world, this summit will bring together scientists, patients, educators, business people and policymakers to advance stem cell research and the promising technologies that will find cures. 

The summit is presented by the Genetics Policy Institute and this year's co-hosts include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. 

Another co-host is the University Research Corridor.  This alliance between U-M, MSU and Wayne State has positioned Michigan to be a major hub for stem cell advancement.

Detroit holds particular promise, housing both Wayne State University and the Stem Cell Commercialization Center in TechTown, the university's research and technology park.  Together, these entities are attracting researchers and stem cell-based businesses from around the world.  Statewide, Michigan has almost 80,000 people working in biotech industries. 

Detroit and Michigan were chosen to host the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit for several reasons including our state's excellent research universities, strong philanthropic base and the passage of Proposal 2 by Michigan voters in 2008.  Proposal 2 was a constitutional amendment to protect stem cell research, and Michigan is just one of three states with this protection in its state constitution.  

There are many misconceptions about stem cell research.  That's why it's so exciting that as part of the World Stem Cell Summit there will be a free stem cell public education day on Sunday, October 3.

The free public education day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Detroit Science Center.  People will be able to learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs, ask questions of leading experts, experience hands-on lab activities, and much more. 

There also will be a separate series of seminars and workshops specifically aimed at science teachers to provide them with training and materials to take back to their classrooms. 

For more information on the free stem cell public education day, and on the three-day summit itself, visit worldstemcellsummit.com on the Web. 

Life sciences is one of the sectors we're growing to help diversify our economy and create jobs.  The choice of Michigan for the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit is further evidence that our state is becoming a leader in stem cell research and the growing regenerative medicine industry.  

Thank you for listening. 

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