RegeNer8 - N8 Centre for Translational Regenerative Medicine

The team, led by Dr Paul Genever of the University of York, picked up one of the two technology validation grants. The project will build on ongoing work by Dr Genever’s team to isolate mesenchymal stem cells from different tissues with the aim of turning them into bone structures for use as 3D bone replacements.

Dr Genever said: “This regeNer8 grant recognises the importance and future potential of our work. It will allow us to develop further the technology with a view to one day bringing it to market.”

The second technology validation grant was awarded to Dr Xuebin Yang at the University of Leeds. His team has combined three technologies to provide an innovative approach to regenerative medicine which minimises the risk of infection.

The winners of the two collaborative research and development grants were Dr Mary Herbert from Newcastle University, for her work on a novel bio-processing system for cellular therapy and Durham University’s Dr Stefan Przyborski for his work on new technology which grows skin in a laboratory for cosmetic and drug testing research.

These grants bring the total number of funded projects to seven, following the announcement of the initial round of funding opportunities at regeNer8’s first anniversary celebration in January. The funding is aimed to support early stage applied research and development projects.

Established by N8 through the Northern Way initiative, to promote scientific, social and economic development in the North of England, regeNer8 is a virtual centre that brings together the work of the North of England’s top scientists to advance and accelerate the development of regenerative therapies and bring them through to clinic and market.

Regenerative medicine aims to replace or repair diseased or damaged body parts. It is a highly multidisciplinary area incorporating aspects of engineering, cell biology and materials science and encompasses stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, regenerative drugs and devices.

Roland Jurke, chair of the steering group for regeNer8 said: “Congratulations to the recipients of regeNer8’s latest funding grants. These scientists are leaders in regenerative medicine and their research is paving the way for future solutions to meet medical needs. Their work is providing real value to patients and healthcare providers.

“I’m delighted to participate in regeNer8 which is a groundbreaking initiative bringing together eight of the Northern universities with industry. Together we have the opportunity to capitalise on the research expertise which exists through collaborative industry-led projects. This in turn will benefit the North of England by providing a much needed boost to the local economy.”

Members of the Centre include scientists within industry and academia, and clinicians, who work collaboratively in regenerative medicine. The Centre is directed by Professor John Fisher at the University of Leeds and is managed from the University of Leeds with project management support from Newcastle-based CBSL and BITECIC in Leeds.