From September 17–20 in sunny San Diego, Revive & Restore hosted a groundbreaking workshop exploring Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue. The 3-day meeting convened 45 global leaders across academia, industry, and zoos. Their mission was to identify challenges and opportunities for bringing stem cell technologies to wildlife conservation. The workshop was held at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and has been praised as “unparalleled” by workshop attendees.
Participants in Revive & Restore’s 2023 Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue workshop, held in San Diego, CA from September 17-20.
About the workshop:
Over the course of three days, workshop participants engaged in discussion through panel-led sessions and a series of talks designed to provoke inspiration and action. Participants had the unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge techniques and share their insights on pressing conservation challenges that stem cell technologies could uniquely address. For the workshop component of the event, experts were partnered in collaborative exercises to reimagine the future of conservation.
Key highlights of the workshop included:
- State-of-the-Art Techniques: Participants were introduced to advanced stem cell technologies, including reprogramming to pluripotency, germline differentiation, and disease modeling through stem cells.
- Conservation Success Stories: Participants showcased several successful case studies where stem cell technologies played a pivotal role in helping protect endangered species.
- Collaboration and Networking: Attendees had the chance to network with like-minded individuals, fostering new collaborations and partnerships to drive conservation forward.
- Hands-on Ideation: As an actionable outcome of the workshop, participants were divided into three interdisciplinary working groups. Each group was tasked with developing a single big idea that solves a conservation problem via advances in stem cell technology. Following the event, working groups will continue to meet virtually to refine their big ideas.
To learn more about the workshop, visit the Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue workshop homepage.
About Revive & Restore:
By convening global leaders around genetic rescue challenges, Revive & Restore continues its mission to enhance biodiversity through the genetic rescue of endangered and extinct species. The knowledge and networks gained during the Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue workshop will undoubtedly further the field and have a profound impact on ongoing conservation efforts.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, presenters, and sponsors who made this workshop a resounding success. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact for the world’s wildlife and ecosystems.
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