World Stem Cell Summit puts Palm Beach County on display

For the first time, the World Stem Cell Summit will be held in Palm Beach County, from today through Wednesday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

Top scientists will present results from clinical trials, participate in panel discussions and explain to fellow scientists how to obtain funding despite legal obstacles. Philanthropists can learn how and when to invest in stem cell research.

It certainly makes a statement that Palm Beach County is an industry player in biosciences, said Kelly Smallridge, president of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. The BDB held an opening reception for the summit Sunday evening.

Among the participating organizers are the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Swedens renowned Karolinska Institute and the Institute for Integrated Cell Material Sciences at Japans Kyoto University, according to the nonprofit Genetics Policy Institute, the event host.

The establishment of biotech research facilities in Palm Beach County by the La Jolla, Calif.-based Scripps Research Institute and Germanys Max Planck Society most likely played a role in luring the event here, Smallridge said.

More than 1,000 scientists are registered to attend. When they see the area, that could spur further biotech growth, Smallridge said.

Its a good opportunity for them to see the life-science cluster that we have developed in Palm Beach County and South Florida, she said. They will see our vibrant county first-hand and hopefully consider locating an operation to our county.

Malin Burnham, co-chairman of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on What Philanthropists Need to Know, beginning at noon Tuesday.

Would-be donors should examine an organizations financial history and achievements before writing a check, Burnham said. Secondly, does the requested donation help fill a void or (create) a new opportunity? he said from San Diego via email.

Through in-person meetings, potential donors can get an impression about the organization and the people behind it, he said. If a donor does not have confidence in the person making the request, then probably a donation would not be forthcoming.

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World Stem Cell Summit puts Palm Beach County on display