Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories

Monash Immunology Stem Cell Laboratories, MISCL, is a collaboration of researchers who seek to develop treatments utilising both stem cells and knowledge of our body’s immune system.

Investigators at MISCL study adult stem cells and applications for repair or regeneration of blood, pancreatic, respiratory, liver, reproductive, thymic, renal and neural tissues. This is complemented by the study of human reproduction, oocyte formation and embryology. Some of our researchers focus on the immune system for induction of transplantation, immune tolerance, correction of autoimmunity, reversal of immunodeficiency as well as treatments for cancer.

MISCL is a centre of research excellence within the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. MISCL attract competitive research support from national and international public institutions and commercial partnerships.

MISCL is committed to training the next generation of stem cell scientists with over 50 honours and postgraduate research students. MISCL have many overseas visitors and collaborate with scientists from other Monash University Departments.

Stem Cell Awareness Day 2008

Stem Cell Awareness Day was organized by Monash Immunology & Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL) on Thursday 25 September 2008.

Cellsense was proud to be part of Stem Cell Awareness Day, and we value the positive feedback that we have received from our parents and healthcare professionals who took  up our invitation to attend.

The day attracted 500 registrants including doctors, students, patients and their healthcare profesionals, as well as patient advocacy groups.

The aim of the Stem Cell Awareness Day was to provide a greater understanding about all aspects of adult stem cell research, and the range of potential of stem cells' therapeutic applications.

However, the enthusiasm for Stem Cell Research has been tempered by unrealistic promises and expectations, and significant confusion and controversy in the community, often due to inadequate public education, ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells, and the perceived threat of human cloning. These concerns are contrasted with sensationalist stories of “miracle cures,” often in poorly regulated environments but still driving a thriving medical tourism industry, because of the desperate needs of many patients for a better quality of life.

The official opening of the day by the Victorian Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings was followed by the video link with the Californian Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the world's largest granting organization for stem cell research.

Two sessions, morning and afternoon, consisted of a number of presentations by stem cell experts, including scientists, clinicians, politicians and patients, and covered the current state of stem cell science, ethics, law and potential clinical applications. The forum's participants had ample opportunity for an accessible and lay-level discussion with leading stem cell researchers and clinicians.

Cellsense’s CEO, Dr Anthony Coulepis spoke about the Private Cord Blood Storage in Australia (below).

It is expected that this will be the forerunner of a regular event at Monash University.