Jan. 15 – Paolo Bianco (Professor of Pathology and Director of the Stem Cells Laboratory at the Sapienza University in Rome), Elena Cattaneo (Professor of Pharmacology, Director of the Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory at the University of Milan) and Michele De Luca (Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine ” Stefano Ferrari ” of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) are the winners of the 2014 ISSCR Public Service Award. The prize is conferred to individuals who have distinguished themselves for their commitment in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The International Society for Stem Cell Research rewarded the important role played by the three Italian scientists in the defense of the basic principles of science and medicine, to guarantee the safety of patients and the effective development of sound therapies. “Bianco, Cattaneo and De Luca were chosen for their recent commitment to the public and political debate in Italy, where they supported the need for rigorous scientific and medical standards and strict monitoring by regulatory authorities in the introduction of new clinical treatments based on stem cells.” It is the first time that among the winners, chosen by the Steering Committee of the organization, there are European scientists. The prize, now in its fourth edition, has been assigned in the past to Robert Klein ( 2011), Rob and Cheryl McEwen (2012) and Hiromitsu Ogawa and Betty Jean Crouch (2013). The awards ceremony will take place during the 12th Annual ISSCR Meeting, to be held in Vancouver June 18-21.
