July 2011 – LEGACY ISTT blog

Early Bird Registration for TT2011 ends on July 31st !!!

Early Bird Registration for the TT2011 meeting ends on July 31st !!!

Have you not yet registered for attending the 10th Transgenic Technology (TT2011) meeting? You can’t miss the best forum where to discuss the latest advances in animal transgenic technology, for the generation and the analyses of genetically-modified animals!. If you haven’t registered please don’t forget to do so by this next Sunday, July 31st, the announced deadline for early bird registration at reduced fees. Thereafter, and just before the meeting, to be held in Florida, on 24-26 October 2011, you still be able to register, though at slightly increased fees (+70 USD). Please, hurry up and don’t miss this opportunity to meet again all your colleagues from around the world, to openly discuss with them your problems and solutions in your daily work with transgenic animals. Hope to seeing you all in Florida!

Publication of the Academy of Medical Sciences Report on Animals containing human material

The Academy of Medical Sciences has published the report of a working group study on ‘animals containing human material (ACHM)’ today. The report was prepared by a working group, chaired by Professor Martin Bobrow CBE FRS FMedSci. The working group of experts included Prof. Robin Lovell-Badge (NIMR-MRC, UK), member of the International Society for Transgenic Technologies (ISTT). The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and campaigns to ensure these are translated into healthcare benefits for society. The report examines the use of ACHM from scientific, social, ethical, safety and regulatory perspectives, and highlights how ACHM are used both in investigational research, and in the development and production of therapeutics. The study was informed by open call for evidence, expert evidence, and a commissioned public dialogue.

The report concludes that the majority of ACHM research does not pose ethical or regulatory difficulties, but identifies 3 areas that will need careful oversight in future:

Modification of an animal’s brain which might lead to human-like cognition;
Changing an animal so it has human appearance or characteristics (e.g. skin, facial or limb features, speech); and the
Development of human-derived sperm or eggs in an animal (especially if fertilisation may occur).

It recommendations include:

That the Home Office puts in place an expert oversight body, within the current system of animal research regulation, to oversee the most sensitive types of ACHM research.
Close alignment of several regulatory bodies that oversee aspects of ACHM research (particularly the Home Office and HFEA).
Raising international awareness of ACHM, promoting international consistency in research practice, and the development of international standards and guidance.

These recommendations should ensure that valuable and justifiable ACHM research can proceed within a robust, proportionate regulatory system, which is capable of responding to developing scientific knowledge and social attitudes, and which avoids undue bureaucracy and duplication of regulation.

The study was supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Sciencewise-ERC programme, the Department of Health, Medical Research Council, and Wellcome Trust. A report synopsis has been prepared by Dr Geoff Watts FMedSci.

Further information is available on The Academy of Medical Sciences website

TT2011 updated information: abstracts received, registration awards

TT2011 meeting, Florida, USA, 24-26 October 2011

The decision on the TT2011-ISTT registration awards has been just announced. This year, for the 10th Transgenic Technology meeting, the ISTT registration awards committee has decided to award up to 18 ISTT Members, out of the 29 applications received. This is the highest number of registration awards ever supported by the ISTT and illustrates the strong compromise of our Society towards its members, specially the technician-student members, in order to promote their attendance to the TT2011 meeting. This year, 18 different transgenic facilities/laboratories/units distributed across the world will benefit to have one of its members awarded to attend the TT2011 meeting.

Up to 128 abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the TT2011 meeting, including those from the invited speakers. The ISTT abstracts committee selected the four most interesting for short oral presentation. The most updated TT2011 scientific program, including the selected short talks, can be browsed here.

The deadline for registration for the TT2011 meeting at reduced fee is July 31st, 2011. If you have not registered for this meeting, please hurry up and submit your registration as soon as possible. Do not miss the opportunity to attend the reference conference in Transgenic Technology.