The first annual meeting of Stem Cell Research Forum of India (SCRFI) will be held in Bangalore from the January 29 to February 1. Over 350 delegates, including 40 international delegates, are expected to congregate for the meeting and deliberate on advantages of stem cell therapies. The meeting will be held at Royal Orchid Hotel, Airport Road in the city. SCRFI is organizing the meeting in association with Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Manipal Group.

There has been increasing activity in the country in stem cell research in public and private sectors. Government of India's initiatives in developing stem cell research reflects a growing worldwide trend. Stem cell researchers have already achieved some encouraging results here. Right policies, public-private partnership, funding and an increasing scientific base are contributing towards strengthening India's position in stem cell research.

The SCRFI, the only forum for stem cell research in the country, was established recently for promoting and improving stem cell research in India. It was established with the help of Department of Biotechnology to help the stem cell biologists and clinicians within and outside the country.

Leading stem cell scientists from India and abroad will participate in this four-day conference in order to develop a multi-disciplinary network. The annual meeting will offer a platform for all the scientists around the globe to interact and share their views and progress in stem cells research, stated Dr Satish Totey, secretary, SCRFI.

The meeting will also give an opportunity for Indian scientists to collaborate with different institutions and scientists to strengthen contents through SCRFI, which is already a member of international consortium of Stem Cell Network. SCRFI will play a major role to depute Indian students and mid-career scientists for stem cell training in various countries.

Keynote address for the conference will be delivered by leading scientist Prof Inder Verma, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, California.

During this conference, Indian stem cell regulations, cGMP conditions and quality control for processing the stem cells and Research policies and activities will also be discussed.