Dr. T. E. Allsopp has 14 years combined experience as a cell & molecular biologist, with particular interest in neurobiology. Published papers include the topics of neural cell fate specification, programmed cell death regulation in the nervous system and acute, chronic nervous system disease. After 12 years as a leading academic with a developing interest in the biology of stem cells he joined Stem Cell Sciences Ltd to utilize pluripotent, embryonic stem cells to discover unique human disease treatment and cures. As a senior scientist with SCS Ltd, he has gained valuable research experience in the basic biology, growth, regulated differentiation, engineering & technology application of murine embryonic stem cells (ES cells). A combination of industrial sponsored academic research & biotech experience have also provided a detailed knowledge base that facilitates the current commercial exploitation of stem cell technology in pharmaceutical R&D. Current responsibilities include directing the research in ES biology, development of ES-based technologies for applications in gene & drug discovery and business development.

David is currently senior director and heading up R&D for the Cellular Therapies/Regenerative Medicine Business, Baxter Healthcare. David received his, BA in Biology/Chemistry (1969) and MA, Molecular Biology (1973) from Hunter College of CUNY, and Ph.D. in biology/biochemistry from St. John’s University/SUNY Downstate Medical in 1980. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the New York Blood Center from late 1979-1981in Hematology and cell biology, assistant professor of Medicine at U of Wisconsin Medical School from 1981-1986, associate professor at the Medical School and U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1987-1990, and full professor at both institutions until 1997. He remains affiliated with U of Wisconsin as an adjunct Full Professor. Dr. Amrani’s past and present research has focused on research and clinical hematology and hemostasis including an expertise in blood-derived stem cells, fibrin(ogen) and platelets, and biomaterial-device hemocompatibility. He serves as a reviewer for a number of journals including Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis, J. Biol. Chem., Blood, and Transfusion. He is currently on the board of directors of the International fibrinogen Society, Illinois Institute of Technology, and U. of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

Dr Emmanuel E. Baetge, Ph.D., is currently Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Novocell, formed by the merger of CyThera and BresaGen Inc. in 2004. He was recruited to CyThera as Chief Scientific Officer in 2001 to head its then emerging human embryonic stem cells program. Prior to joining CyThera, Dr. Baetge held the position of Chief Scientific Officer at Modex Therapeutics Ltd from 1997-2001, in Lausanne, Switzerland, which developed one of the first autologous adult stem cell products for the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. Before Modex, Dr. Baetge held management positions at CytoTherapeutics from 1992-1997 and at Bristol-Myers Squibb from 1987 – 1992. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular neurobiology from Cornell University and completed postdoctoral work at Cornell University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Baetge has published extensively in the field of cell therapy and has produced a number of cell technology patents.

Mr. Bonfiglio was one of the early investors in the field of stem cells & regenerative medicines. From 2000-2005 he was a Senior Partner with Anthem Venture Partners, a $100 million early-stage technology venture capital firm. Anthem funded Advanced Cell Technology in 2000, and Mr. Bonfiglio led the team that took the Company public in early 2005 (ACTC.OB). While at Anthem, Mr. Bonfiglio led investments in both biotechnology and IT deals. He was responsible for managing Anthem's investments in Advanced Cell Technology, Corus Pharma, Nextest Systems, and Pulse Entertainment. Anthem has generated top quartile returns for its investors. Mr. Bonfiglio has over 25 years experience working with technology companies. Prior to joining Anthem, he was a Partner with Morrison & Foerster, where he worked extensively with technology clients. Mr. Bonfiglio was an Adjunct Professor of Law at Stanford Law School , from 1996 to 2000. Since 1995, he has been a regular Guest Lecturer at the Haas Business School , in UC Berkley. Mr. Bonfiglio was born in Detroit , Michigan in 1952. He received his B.A. in Mathematics (magna cum laude) from Michigan State University in 1975, and his J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.

Eduardo has more than 18 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. His professional career includes several senior management positions at Sanofi-Aventis, including Vice President for Latin America, where he was in charge of more than 2000 employees and oversaw sales of more than €1 billion. At Sanofi-Aventis he also held positions such as Marketing and Sales Manager for Europe and General Manager for Belgium. He also worked for 7 years in SmithKline Beecham in sales positions both nationally and internationally. Eduardo holds a degree in Business Administration and an MBA (INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France). In addition, Eduardo Bravo is a member of the Board of Directors of Cellerix.

Gary Bright, Ph.D. is Senior Director of Applications Development at Cyntellect. Since joining the company in 2005, Gary has led the development of applications focused on live cell manipulation, processes, reagents, and instrumentation. Prior to joining Cyntellect, Gary served as the Chief Science Officer at Bioptechs, Inc. as well as Scientific Director and Director of the Screen Development at Cellomics, building and leading the assay development and molecular biosensor programs. Earlier, Gary was a professor at Case Western Reserve University Medical School for 9 years. Gary has held post-doc and research scientist positions at the Center for Fluorescence Research at Carnegie Mellon University and has a Ph.D. degree in Cell and Developmental Biology from Kansas State University.

Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D., joined The ALS Association in January 2001 as Science Director and Vice President. Prior to joining The Association, Dr. Bruijn led a small team at Bristol Myers Squibb developing in vitro and in vivo model systems for neurodegenerative disease. She focused on developing an improved mouse model for Alzheimer’s disease and established assays for high throughput screens. She worked with the genomics group and used array technology to look for new therapeutic targets. Realizing the potential of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, her team worked with experts in academia to establish stem cell studies. Dr. Bruijn received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Rhodes University, South Africa. She received a master’s degree in neuroscience and a Ph.D. in biochemistry, specializing in disease mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease, from the University of London, United Kingdom. She joined Dr. Don Cleveland’s laboratory in 1994 where she developed and characterized a mouse model of ALS (mice expressing the familial-linked SOD1 mutation). Using this model her studies focused on disease mechanisms. In addition, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Brown, she looked for neurofilament mutations in familial and sporadic ALS patients. At The ALS Association, Dr. Bruijn leads ALSA’s scientific research enterprise. She has expanded on the existing grant programs, launching a groundbreaking new research initiative Translational Research to Advance Therapies for ALS (TREAT ALS) with the goal to move treatment options from “bench to bedside.” She has made it a priority to collaborate with other funding agencies, in particular the National Institute of Health and many other not-for-profit ALS organizations, as well as other foundations focusing on neurodegenerative research. These collaborations ensure that increased dollars are spent on ALS research. She is involved in project development, encouraging partnerships with academia and biotech, and has played a key role in forging collaborations amongst investigators. It is her strong belief that only through collaboration among a wide range of disciplines will there be success in changing the course of ALS and finding a cure. Through participation at scientific meetings, both nationally and internationally, ALSA receives wide-spread recognition amongst the scientific community. Dr. Bruijn represents ALSA on several scientific and research committees world-wide and acts as advisor to scientists, government officials and industry leaders seeking council in the field of ALS research. She continues to publish in the field in peer-reviewed journals and remains actively engaged in understanding the most recent research developments.

Dr. Gabriela Cezar, DVM, Ph.D., recently joined University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Stem Cell Research Program as an Assistant Professor in the department of Animal Sciences. Her laboratory focuses on ES cell applications in predictive toxicology and safety aspects of cell-based therapies. Previously, she served as Principal Scientist at Pfizer Global Research and Development, where she researched and developed stem cell-based platforms applicable to drug discovery and development. Her research focused more specifically on in vitro models for obesity, neurodegeneration and drug safety. She was also involved in generation of knockout and transgenic mice for in vivo target validation. Prior to the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Cezar practiced as a veterinarian and researched cellular plasticity, epigenetic reprogramming and placental abnormalities in nuclear transfer animals at Infigen Inc. (USA) and Roslin Institute (UK).

Dr Choo is the Founder and Chief Executive of Plasticell. He was a Founder and Chief Scientist of Gendaq Ltd, an MRC gene regulation company which was acquired by US biotech Sangamo Biosciences Inc. (Richmond, CA). Previously Dr Choo was a staff scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge. He is an inventor named in over 15 granted patents and has published over 30 scientific papers, holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Cambridge and is the recipient of the Prize for Young Scientists awarded by Pharmacia Biotech and Science the pre-eminent international scientific journal.

Following PhD training in Neuroendocrinology at St. Thomas's Hospital Medical School in London, Aaron studied the molecular regulation of gene expression in the pituitary gland at INSERM in Paris. This led to research on G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases at the Mario Negri Institute in Italy, where his work shed light on the disease implications of these kinases. Subsequently Aaron joined GlaxoWellcome in 1996 to apply this expertise towards drug discovery in respiratory diseases. After the formation of GlaxoSmithKline in 2001, Aaron moved into drug discovery for CNS diseases, and has led programmes in early and late preclinical stages for Alzheimer’s Disease. During the same period he initiated a stem cell research programme for neurodegenerative diseases. Aaron is also involved in international business development opportunities, and serves on the editorial board for Regenerative Medicine. Aaron currently holds the post of Manager, GSK-Harvard Stem Cell Institute Collaboration.

Dr. Davide Danovi obtained his Medical degree at the University of Milan, Italy where he also had his PhD at the European Institute of Oncology, one of the biggest comprehensive cancer center in Europe. There, he developed an interest in the cellular and molecular processes involved in neoplastic transformation and demonstrated the causative role of the HdmX protein in human cancer. He then moved to University College London where he became an EMBO fellow and subsequently joined the laboratory of Prof. Austin Smith at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research in Cambridge, UK. Here, he is taking forward the work of Dr. Steve Pollard and Dr. Peter Dirks (University of Toronto) on novel adherent neural stem cells from brain tumours, cell lines mirroring the elusive tumour initiating cells to which drug screens should be directed.

Nick joined Intercytex as Chief Executive Officer in January 2005 having been a Non-Executive Director of the company since it was founded, and brings over 20 years of experience in commercialising biotechnology products. He was previously Chief Business Officer and a Board Director of Acambis plc (vaccines) which he joined in 1994. He was responsible for all commercial activities including IP management, licensing, corporate development, mergers/acquisitions and sales and marketing. In addition, he played a key role in the company’s flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 1995. Prior to Acambis he worked for Porton International Ltd (biologicals) where he managed IP and commercial agreements with the company’s collaborators. Before Porton he worked for The PA Consultancy Group where he was a founder member of the Biotechnology Group in which he participated in over 50 European and international assignments. He started his business career with Unilever Research Ltd (consumer goods) as a chemical and biochemical engineer. Nick has a BSc in biochemistry from the University College of Wales, an MSc in biochemical engineering from University College, London and an MSc in the Management of Intellectual Property from QMW, London.

Julian Hitchcock is an expert on cell and tissue law and a Director of the East of England Stem Cell Network. His interest in regenerative medicine arose while working a BBC science producer in the late 1980s, following an education in medicine. He later qualified at one of the UK’s leading intellectual property practices and, working in the UK and Australia, conducted patent litigation in connection with major biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, including Viagra®. He joined Mills & Reeve in 2004. Julian’s work is dominated by matters involving the law and regulation of cells and tissues, especially stem cells and regenerative technologies. His clients include leading life science companies, research-orientated universities, national health organisations and scientists. Recent instructions have concerned patent issues relating to embryonic and adult stem cells and progenitor cells, regulatory issues concerning the first embryonic stem cell line banked in the UK and a collaboration to produce red cell concentrates from hESC-derived progenitors and clinical trials of adult stem cells (including genetically modified stem cells). Julian is frequently asked to advise on new European legislation concerning the marketing of advanced therapy medicinal products. Beyond his legal role, Julian Hitchcock is fervent supporter of the UK stem cell project, acting as a consultant on stem cell policy, promoting inward investment and collaboration, assisting the UK National Stem Cell Network, promoting public engagement and fighting, wherever necessary, for the right to research.

Dr. Allen-Hoffmann is the Founder, CEO, President, Chief Science Officer and a Director of Stratatech. Dr. Allen-Hoffmann obtained her doctorate from Cornell University and trained with Dr. James Rheinwald at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Allen-Hoffmann has been Professor of Pathology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School since 1988 and has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health for her research program. She has extensive leadership experience and previously directed a multi-college Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Recently Dr. Allen-Hoffmann’s research and business contributions have been recognized by the 2005 Harold Rusch Translational Research Award and 2006 TEMPO Business Women of Distinction.

Kristi Hohenstein obtained her Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she developed methodology to genetically manipulate human embryonic stem cells and demonstrated an essential role for Sox2 in regulating stem cell pluripotency. Before joining Cyntellect, she worked for 2 years at the Stem Cell Research Center at the University of California, Irvine where she conducted siRNA screens to identify genes regulating embryonic stem cell survival, self-renewal, and pluripotency. She also helped to initiate and led the human embryonic stem cell training courses at UCI. Kristi joined the Application Development Group at Cyntellect, Inc in July 2008 to contribute to the development of new stem cell technologies using the LEAP in situ cell processing system. She has developed novel techniques for automated purification and passage of high-quality stem cell cultures and is currently working to advance methodology for in situ purification of specialized cells for drug screening and cell-based therapeutics.

Dr Avinoam Kadouri , CEO, Rainbow Biotechnologies Dr Kadouri is the chairman of ACTIP European Animal Cell Technology Industrial Platform and a member of Scientific Advisory Boards of several European and American companies and also a consultant to many biotech companies. Prior to his forming Rainbow Biotechnologies he was bioprocess Technology Development Director, Serono Biotech Center, Vevey, Switzerland.

Institute of Cell Therapy, Director of Coordinating Center for Organ Transplantation, cells and tissues of MH of Ukraine, the main transplantologists of Ukraine Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor A.L. Kukharchuk has 25 years experience of scientific work. Specialized in the pathophysiology of systemic and cellular regulators (hormones, prostaglandins, leykotriens, tachykinins, cyclic nucleotides). This work was carried out under his supervision at the Center of scientific and medical research at Bukovynsky State Medical University (Chernivtsi, Ukraine). At the position of the head of the department of normal physiology at Bukovynsky State Medical University (Chernivtsi, Ukraine) continued his pathophysiological studies in the field of pathology of the heart, kidneys, liver, reproductive and immune systems, age violations. Since 2002 (Kiev) is exploring the possibility of therapeutic fetal stem cells in the experiment and clinic. He created the regulatory framework for stem cell treatment in Ukraine. Developed methods of immune system replacement and induction of central tolerance through stem cells transplantation. Proposed the theory of stem-spaces depletion, as the basis for the aging of the human body and the theory of somato-stem syto- hybrid, as the basis of carcinogenesis. Editor of the magazine “Transplantology”.

Jane S. Lebkowski, Ph.D., has served as Senior Vice President of Regenerative Medicine of Geron Corp since January 2004. From August 1999 until January 2004, Dr. Lebkowski served as Vice President of Regenerative Medicine. From April 1998 until August 1999, Dr. Lebkowski served as Senior Director, Cell and Gene Therapies. From 1986 until joining Geron, Dr. Lebkowski served as Vice President, Research and Development at Applied Immune Sciences. In 1995, Applied Immune Sciences was acquired by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, at which time Dr. Lebkowski was appointed Vice President, Discovery & Product Development. Dr. Lebkowski received a B.S. in chemistry and biology from Syracuse University and received her Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Nicolas L'Heureux has been an early proponent of the concept of completely biological tissue engineering even for tissues that play significant mechanical roles. At a time when synthetic scaffolds were seen as a defining part of any tissue engineered construct, he developed a method termed “Sheet-Based Tissue Engineering” that allows the creation of completely biological, living, autologous and human tissues that display remarkable mechanical strength without the need for any exogenous scaffolding. In 2000, he founded Cytograft Tissue Engineering to develop this platform technology. Focusing first on vascular products, the Company started the world’s first clinical trial of a tissue-engineered blood vessel for arterial bypass. His research interests revolve around cell-based therapies and personalized medicine in the vascular field but also include pediatrics, neuroregeneration, orthopedics and vascular networks.

Geoff MacKay has served in his current leadership role since Dec. 2003. Mr. MacKay provides Organogenesis Inc. with significant global, commercial experience spanning the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Mr MacKay has held numerous leadership positions within Novartis AG in roles such as Vice-President & Business Unit Head, Transplantation & Immunology at Novartis Canada, Vice-President of Tissue-Engineering in Novartis USA, Head of Global Sales Immunology & Transplantation based in Basel, Switzerland, and prior to that as Sales & Marketing Manager of Novartis Biotech Europe. Mr MacKay has been specifically involved in the emerging field of Tissue Regeneration for the last decade.

President & CEO, joined Cellerant Therapeutics in 2005. Ram was previously Executive Director of Product Development at Geron Corporation, where he managed the development and manufacturing of cell based therapies for treatment of degenerative diseases and cancer. Prior to Geron, he was Director of Developmental Research at Aastrom Biosciences, where he was responsible for the research and development programs involving ex vivo expansion of human bone marrow stem cells and dendritic cells. Dr. Mandalam received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Mandalam is the author or co-author of several publications, patent applications, and abstracts.

Dr. Margolin has been serving on the Board of Directors of Gamida Cell since 2000. Prior to her employment as President & CEO of Gamida Cell, Dr. Margolin spent six years as Vice President of Denali Ventures LLC, where she specialized in investments in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Dr. Margolin spent seven years at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where she was responsible for new product initiatives, evaluation of investment opportunities for the R&D division, and multiple drug development programs. Dr. Margolin holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science and was a post-doctoral associate at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr Chris Mason is at the forefront of the emerging field of stem cell and regenerative medicine bioprocessing plus is involved in a number of committees, networks, scientific advisory boards, editorial boards, working groups and initiatives related to the academic, clinical and commercial advancement of stem cells and tissue engineering. Originally graduating from Imperial College with a degree in molecular biology and St. ThomasÕs Hospital Medical School with a medical degree, Chris then specialised in surgery. Chris is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. In addition, he has a PhD in Biochemical Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Peter Dunnill (UCL), leads the Stem Cell + Regenerative Medicine ("RegenMed") Bioprocess Group at UCL (a team of 20+ researchers) and has broad range of expertise in commercial consultancy. Furthermore, Chris has over 10 years of experience at boardroom level of running technology companies. Chris is currently the Senior Editor of Regenerative Medicine Journal, and is also cofounder and co-organiser of the London Regenerative Medicine Network (LRMN), Mission Leader of the DTI funded Global Watch Mission "Advanced Cell & Tissue Therapies" which visited to the West Coast of North America in September 2006 and a founder member of the Steering Committee for the UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN).

Ruth graduated from the University of London with a first in biochemistry and pharmacology. She gained her PhD at London’s Institute of Psychiatry studying the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. After two years at the University of California in San Diego, Ruth joining the pharmaceutical Industry. In her 20 years’ experience she has held many posts including Head of the Merck Neuroscience Research Centre in the UK. At Pfizer, she has been Vice President of Biology in Sandwich, Head of the Research Technology Centre in Boston and Vice President for External Research in Europe. Most recently, Ruth has been a leader in Pfizer’s commitment to emerging therapeutic opportunities and is now Head of Regenerative Medicine with research groups in the UK and the US. Ruth is a renowned scientist, author of over 120 publications and 15 patents and is a visiting Professor at London’s Institute of Psychiatry. Her first book for non-scientists, “Billy’s Halo,” was short-listed for the 2007 MIND awards. She is married with two teenage children.

C. Randal Mills, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, joined Osiris in May 2004. Dr. Mills is also a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining Osiris, Dr. Mills was an executive officer of Regeneration Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ—RTIX). Dr. Mills served in several leadership positions at RTI from its formation in 1998 until 2004, including Vice President of Business Development and Vice President of Operations and R&D and is credited with several key initiatives including the development and commercialization of RTI's core technology, BioCleanse®. Prior to RTI, Dr. Mills was a member of the founding management team of the University of Florida Tissue Bank, Inc. The University of Florida Tissue Bank was the predecessor company to RTI. Dr. Mills received a bachelor's degree in microbiology and cell science and a Ph.D. in drug development, both from the University of Florida. Introduction to Osiris’ Clinical Programs Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. is a leading stem cell therapeutic company focused on developing and marketing products to treat medical conditions in the inflammatory, orthopedic and cardiovascular areas. Osiris currently markets and sells Osteocel® for regenerating bone in orthopedic indications. Prochymal™ is being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials for three indications, including acute and steroid refractory Graft versus Host Disease and also Crohn's disease, and is the only stem cell therapeutic currently designated by FDA as both an Orphan Drug and Fast Track product. Osiris has also partnered with Genzyme Corporation to develop Prochymal™ as a medical countermeasure to nuclear terrorism and other radiological emergencies. Prochymal is also being developed for the repair of heart tissue following a heart attack and for the protection of pancreatic islet cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. The Company’s pipeline of internally developed biologic drug candidates under evaluation also includes Chondrogen™ for arthritis in the knee. Osiris is a fully integrated company, having developed capabilities in research, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of stem cell products. Osiris has developed an extensive intellectual property portfolio to protect the company's technology in the United States and a number of foreign countries including 47 U.S. and 215 foreign patents owned or licensed.

Dr Mahendra Rao is currently Vice President of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Invitrogen Corporation. A true luminary, Dr. Rao has published more than 100 papers on stem cell research in his time as both scientist and educator. Most recently, he served as Section Chief for Stem Cells and Senior Investigator in the Laboratory of Neuroscience for the National Institute on Aging--a division of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Rao also has an extensive background teaching medical and graduate students, as well as postdoctorate fellows at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India and the University of Utah School of Medicine. He holds an M.D. from Bombay University in India and a Ph.D. in developmental neurobiology from the California Institute of Technology

Michael Siani-Rose, President and Founder, has 15 years of biotechnology experience. He has extensive experience in the computational chemistry and drug discovery fields, including managerial and scientific positions at Protos/Chiron Corporation, Kosan Biosciences and Affymetrix. Michael has published 35 peer-reviewed articles, is inventor on five patents in the field of drug discovery/drug design, and has a dozen patent applications in the fields of bioinformatics and tissue engineering.

Bernard Siegel is the founder and full-time executive director of the nonprofit Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is the founder and the co-chair of the World Stem Cell Summit series of global conferences and editor-in-chief of the World Stem Cell Report. He also serves as the co-chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. A native of Richmond, Virginia, he received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Miami (BA 1972, JD 1975). He is a member of the Florida Bar since 1975. In 2002, Mr. Siegel filed the landmark case seeking a guardian for the alleged clone, "Baby Eve." The case was widely credited for exposing Clonaid, the so-called "human cloning company" as a sham. In 2003, he traded his 30-year courtroom career to found GPI, which leads the global "Pro-Cures Movement" and Stem Cell Action Coalition for Cures. He is a recognized policy expert relating to stem cell research, regenerative medicine and cloning. Working with the world's leading stem cell researchers, Mr. Siegel played a pivotal role in galvanizing a global movement that successfully lobbied the United Nations to reject a treaty that called for a prohibition of nuclear transfer (therapeutic cloning). He works with grassroots activists throughout the United States, educating lawmakers, the media and public. He formulates effective strategies supporting research for cures. Mr. Siegel is a frequent panelist and keynote speaker on the subject of stem cells, public policy and the societal implications of longevity. He has addressed the United Nations, the Salk Institute, James Baker Institute of Public Policy at Rice University, New York Biotechnology Association, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Seoul National University, International Stem Cell Forum (Beijing), World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research (Rome), Stem Cells European Business Summit (Edinburgh), Stem Cells Europe (Amsterdam), World Parkinson Congress, Association of American Law Schools and American College of Trial Lawyers. He has lectured at 35 colleges and universities around the globe.

John Sinden obtained his PhD from the University of Paris and held postdoctoral appointments at the University of Oxford and the Institute of Psychiatry in London. He was formerly Reader in Neurobiology of Behaviour at King’s College London with a special expertise in neural transplantation and several years of research on cell therapies for neurological disorders. With two colleagues, he founded ReNeuron in 1997 and became Chief Scientific Officer a year later. Now ReNeuron Group plc, the Company is recognised worldwide as a leading force in the field of stem cell therapy technologies. He has successfully coordinated major grant funding from the EC and the UK government on stem cell translational research. Over the last year he has headed up the ground-breaking development programme for a stem cell therapeutic in stroke disability. A clinical trial in Glasgow beginning in 2009 has recently been approved by the MHRA

Mr. Smith joined Lonza Bioscience (previously Cambrex Bioproducts) in January 2002 as the Business Unit Director of the emerging Cell Therapy business. In 2004, he was promoted to Vice President, Business Development, and in December 2005 to Vice President, Cellular Therapeutics. In this role, David assumed responsibility for contract manufacturing, process development, contract sales, and the introduction of a new state-of-the-art therapeutic cell production facility that provides Lonza with the capacity to manufacture billions of cells per day. Since his arrival, the cell therapy business has grown rapidly and made considerable investments in research and development, supply chain logistics, and cGMP manufacturing facilities. Prior to joining Lonza, Mr. Smith was Vice President, Corporate Development at Claragen, Inc. and Business Unit Director at Invitrogen. Mr. Smith spent 14 years at The Upjohn Company in various sales and marketing roles, including leading the launch of the Parkinson’s therapeutic, Mirapex. He holds a BS in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA and a MBA from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Lonza Walkersville is a leading supplier of primary human cells and cell culture reagents to the biotechnology research market, and is a contract manufacturer for the rapidly growing area of Cell Therapy. Lonza remains committed to the support of commercialization efforts.

Dr. Snodgrass founded VistaGen in 1998 and has been its CEO since inception. Prior to VistaGen, he was Chief Scientific Officer of Progenitor, Inc., where he was the primary architect of the discovery platform that was the basis for equity investments and corporate alliances valued at over $100 million, all leading to the company’s successful IPO. Dr. Snodgrass has a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 10 years experience in senior management in entrepreneurial biotechnology companies, and over 10 years research experience as a professor at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, and as a member of the Institute for Immunology, Basel, Switzerland

Alan Trounson, Ph.D., is President of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine in San Francisco, California. Prior to joining CIRM in January 2008, Dr. Trounson was Professor of Stem Cell Sciences and Director of the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories at Monash University. Dr. Trounson founded the National Biotechnology Centre of Excellence – ‘Australian Stem Cell Centre’. Professor Trounson graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1971 with an M.Sc. in Wool and Pastoral Sciences. In 1974 he was awarded a Ph.D. in animal embryology by Sydney University. From 1974-1976 he was awarded the Dalgety Research Fellow at the ARC Institute of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry at Cambridge University. In 1977 he was appointed Senior Research Fellow at Monash University, and by 1984 was a Reader in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He was appointed Director of the Centre for Early Human Development in 1985, was awarded a Personal Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology/Paediatrics in 1991 at Monash University, and in 2003 was awarded a Personal Chair as Professor of Stem Cell Sciences, also at Monash University. The Faculties of Medical Sciences and Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium, awarded Professor Trounson a Doctor Honoris Causa in 2003. In 2005, Professor Trounson was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and in 2007 he was made a Fellow ad eundem of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. His scientific accomplishments include; the pioneering of human in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and associated reproductive technologies; the diagnosis of inherited genetic disease in preimplantation embryos; the discovery and production of human embryonic stem cells and their ability to be directed into neurones, prostate tissue and respiratory tissue.

Dr Alain Vertès works in the Pharma Partnering group at Roche, the mission of which is to identify strategic needs, find, implement and manage partnerships from licensing deals to M&As. Within the framework of his role as Global Alliance Director, Dr Vertès is championing the implementation of emerging technologies for bringing to the marketplace innovations that have a strong potential to bring to patients disease modifying and paradigm-changing therapeutics. Dr Vertès also belongs to the strategy team at Roche that manages the research and development of siRNA therapeutics. In addition, Dr Vertès leads Roche’s team that monitors the cell therapeutic arena. A native of France and a microbiologist and molecular biologist by training (University of Illinois, University of Lille), Dr Vertès is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School. Prior to joining Roche, Dr Vertès worked in different functions including research, manufacturing, contract research, and strategic alliance in pharmaceuticals, petrochemical, public research, and consulting.

Dr. West is the Chief Executive Officer of BioTime, Inc. and Embryome Sciences, Inc. of Emeryville, California and Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley. BioTime, Inc. (OTCBB: BTIM) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Embryome Sciences are companies focused on human embryonic stem cell technologies. He received his Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in 1989 concentrating on the biology of cellular aging. He has focused his academic and business career on the application of developmental biology to the age-related degenerative disease. He was the Founder of Geron Corporation of Menlo Park, California (Nasdaq: GERN) and from 1990 to 1998 he was a Director, and Vice President, where he initiated and managed programs in telomerase diagnostics, oligonucleotide-based telomerase inhibition as anti-tumor therapy, and the cloning and use of telomerase in telomerase-mediated therapy wherein telomerase is utilized to immortalize human cells. From 1995 to 1998 he organized and managed the research between Geron and its academic collaborators James Thomson and John Gearhart that led to the first isolation of human embryonic stem and human embryonic germ cells. From 1998 to 2007 he was President and Chief Scientific Officer at Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (OTCBB: ACTC) where he managed programs in human somatic cell nuclear transfer, cell differentiation, and ACTCellerate, a technology for the multiplex derivation and characterization of human embryonic progenitor cell lines.

Philip is Director of Science and Technology at the ABPI, and Chief Executive of Stem Cells for Safer Medicines Ltd (SC4SM), a public-private partnership aiming to establish open standards and protocols for the use of differentiated stem cells in early safety screening of new medicines. At the ABPI he has responsibility for policy and external affairs from discovery research to experimental medicine and manufacturing. This encompasses academic-industry links, animal research and welfare, preclinical safety and education and schools links. As part-time Chief Executive of SC4SM, he has led the creation of a public-private company identified as a key priority for the UK. The initiative, while based in the UK, has international participation and is funding research to overcome key scientific hurdles in the differentiation, scale-up and utilisation of differentiated stem cells in early predictive toxicology: the main objective is to identify those compounds likely to fail unexpectedly in clinical trials as early as possible. Externally Philip currently sits on: the Councils of the Parliamentary & Scientific Committee and the Research Defence Society. He is a past member of: the Research Directors Group in the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (EFPIA), the Institute of Biology’s Biomedical Sciences Committee, having been elected a Fellow of the Institute in 2002; and the Campaign for Science and Engineering (previously Save British Science). Between 1994 and 1998 he worked at the CBI; when he left he had lead responsibility for science, technology and innovation policy with particular emphasis on the academic-industry interface. Between 1998 and the beginning of 2001, Philip was Director of Scientific & Educational Affairs at Glaxo Wellcome, where he oversaw public policy on science, R&D and education, including the global coordination of genetics public affairs.

Dr. Yokoyama joined ReproCELL Inc. in 2004 as a general manager of business development division and became Chief Executive Officer in 2005. He has been responsible for all aspects of new product management, alliance, and fund raising. He also participated in establishing a Stem Cell and Drug Discovery Institute in which human ES cell research is intensively carried out for the purpose of drug discovery and toxicity testing applications. From 1996 to 2004, he worked for McKinsey and Company Inc. as a management consultant and then for Sumitomo 3M, a subsidiary of 3M, to serve as a R&D leader of a new project. He received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Tokyo University in 1996.