University’s Leading Role in Stem Cell Research Is Highlighted at Center’s Annual Retreat

Published: October 30, 2009

Haifan Lin and Dr. Robert Alpern are pictured here at the popular Stem Cell Retreat.

New Haven, Conn. — More than 200 people attended the Yale Stem Cell Center's second annual Stem Cell Retreat held Oct. 23 at the Omni Hotel in New Haven.

The retreat, which features reports on stem cell research from 49 Yale labs, has become so popular that registration had to be closed. The high level of interest among faculty and students in the retreat reflects the increasing fascination with the topic of stem cells, noted Dr. Robert J. Alpern, dean of the Yale School of Medicine.

"I don't think I would have seen all these faces in the audience five years ago," Alpern said.

The origins of skin stem cells, use of stem cells to repair heart tissue and tracking stem cell migration were just a few of the topics discussed during the day.

The stem cell center also introduced its two new researchers, In-hyun Park, who came to Yale from the Harvard Medical School, and Andrew Xiao, who came from Rockefeller University.

"The presentations showcased here illustrate why Yale has become a leader in the next generation of stem cell research," said Haifan Lin, director of the center.

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