June 2016 Free screening of award-winning documentary about stem cell research and treatments

A free screening of the documentary film, Stem Cell Revolutions takes place on 4 July at the Clinical Science Institute, NUI Galway, from 7pm. With the tag line ‘You’ve heard so much about stem cells. But what do they really do?’ it has been described as a truly entertaining documentary.

According to reviews, it provides a ‘fascinating, unsensationalised and complete guide for anyone who wants an informed appreciation of stem cell science and an understanding of what all the fuss is about’.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Professors Timothy O’Brien and Matt Griffin, both of University Hospitals Galway and NUI Galway. Professors O’Brien and Griffin are among the many scientists and physicians in Galway who are involved in cutting edge research and clinical trials using bone marrow-derived stem cells in Galway.

Through the Health Research Board (HRB) Clinical Research Facility Galway (CRFG), Professors O’Brien and Griffin will be conducting a clinical trial using bone marrow derived stem cells to offset diabetic kidney disease as part of a Horizon 2020 project called NEPHSTROM. Other clinical studies that involve stem cell treatments are also underway at the HRB CRFG.

Stem Cell Revolutions
Featuring beautiful hand-drawn animations and interviews with leading stem cell scientists, Stem Cell Revolutions charts the history and scientific evolution of stem cell research - from the earliest experiments that first revealed stem cells in the body, to leading current scientific and clinical developments.

Stem Cell Revolutions features eminent international scientists in stem cell research, including 2012 Nobel Laureates Shinya Yamanaka and Sir John Gurdon, Nobel Laureate Sir Martin Evans, as well as Sir Ian Wilmut, creator of Dolly the sheep. Acclaimed novelist Margaret Atwood serves as a non-scientific commentator in the film.

This screening is part of the ‘It’s OK to ask about clinical research’ public awareness campaign that aims to encourage patients, carers, and the public to ask healthcare professionals if there is a clinical trial study they might be suitable for.

The documentary is aimed at adults with a general interest in science and medicine and transition year students upward. Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/uhfBaZSkiMQ

Please reserve seats for the screening through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stem-cell-revolutions-documentary-screening-tickets-25954474532?aff=ebrowse or email Danielle.nicholson@nuigalway.ie

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