Combining stem cell science and tissue engineering to study the development and repair of human skeletal tissue
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Development Origin of Health and Disease
Abstract
With an ever increasing ageing population, strategies that allow the simple repair and enhancement of bone tissue, lost due to diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis or with ageing or after an accident, are urgently needed. Whilst there are a number of surgical techniques that can be used to repair bone and to aid fracture healing, there is a great need for the development of alternative bone and cartilage repair and regeneration strategies. To try and solve the lack of bone a patient may have at one site, the surgeon can try and harvest and use existing bone from another site (known as autogenous bone) in the patient although, naturally, the amounts available to use are limited. Other options include the use of donor bone from a different individual (known as allogeneic bone). However donor bone carries risks of rejection and infection. Tissue engineering aims to make tissues and organs - including bone tissue - using stem and precursor cells, scaffolds upon which the cells can grow and be guided, and necessary mechanical cues to create bone tissue in the laboratory for transplantation to replace damaged or diseased tissues. Within all our bone marrow are stem cells (called skeletal or mesenchymal stem cells), which can be isolated using selective markers and which can be grown up to give lots of cells, while retaining their ability to form a variety of tissues like bone and fat. Similarly we have expertise in the ability to create structures (scaffolds) for the cells to grow on and these scaffolds can be tailored to release select growth factors and proteins needed to guide and tell the stem cells to make bone and cartilage. In addition, we know that mechanical cues are very important in stimulating new bone growth (for example we know excessive bed rest or weightlessness leads to loss of bone). Thus the application of stem cells, select scaffolds and the use of signalling cues to generate new bone tissue is currently one of the most exciting and promising areas for disease treatment and bone repair. We propose as well as combining these key ingredients, that, critically, a new way of thinking as to how scientists currently try to create skeletal tissue is urgently needed if we are to meet the challenges of new skeletal formation for an increasing ageing population. We propose that it is vital to understand bone development and formation and that if we can harness the information of how bone develops and if we can understand bone biology, this will set the foundation and inform us how to repair and make new skeletal tissue. Thus, we propose an ambitious programme of research to significantly advance the state-of-the-art in developmental biology, stem cells, materials chemistry, mechanical signalling and loading and translational medicine to generate new models of skeletal development that can be used to inform skeletal repair strategies for clinical use in bone repair and regeneration. To achieve our goal we will use a multidisciplinary strategy that brings together stem cell biologists, developmental biologists, materials scientists, mechanobiologists and clinicians with an ability to draw lessons from skeletal developmental biology to inform our tissue engineering strategy for skeletal formation and repair.
Technical Summary
The application of stem cells, select scaffolds and the incorporation of appropriate signalling cascades in the generation of new tissue is currently one of the most exciting and promising areas for disease treatment and reparative medicine. This has gained prominence given the demographic challenges of an advancing ageing population and the need for innovative approaches to augment and repair skeletal tissue. We propose that a paradigm shift in current research strategy is required if we are to meet the goal of skeletal tissue formation. We propose to enhance our understanding of skeletal developmental biology and apply this to underpin and inform the skeletal regenerative process. Currently, our progress in the isolation and culture of skeletal stem cells and in the application of scaffolds that control 3D architecture, soluble factor gradients and surface adhesion motifs has reached a point where we can mimic specific pathways used by the human body in skeletal tissue development and regeneration. Critically, mechanobiology has emerged as an important component in the regeneration of skeletal tissue. However, there remain significant challenges for the reconstruction of complex tissues, such as bone, that can only be informed by a thorough understanding of the developing tissue environment. Through Lola funding we propose that elucidation of the skeletal niche is critical in the identification of the key growth factors, matrix constituents and physiological conditions that will enhance and inform tissue regeneration. The approach advocated necessitates a truly inter- and multidisciplinary approach which could not be addressed through standard project routes of funding. The outcomes of this LOLA will be new in vitro and ex vivo models of human development translating to improved scaffolds and skeletal stem cell treatments for regenerative medicine. Joint with BB/G010560/1, BB/G010587/1, BB/010617/1. This joint project was co-funded by EPSRC under BBSRC Responsive Mode.
Organisations
- University of Southampton (Lead Research Organisation)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Co-funder)
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT) (Collaboration)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology (Collaboration)
- Capsant Neurotechnologies Limited (Project Partner)
Publications
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Aarvold A
(2013)
A tissue engineering strategy for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
in The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Gibbs DM
(2016)
A review of hydrogel use in fracture healing and bone regeneration.
in Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Kanczler JM
(2012)
A novel approach for studying the temporal modulation of embryonic skeletal development using organotypic bone cultures and microcomputed tomography.
in Tissue engineering. Part C, Methods
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Smith EL
(2013)
A new take on an old story: chick limb organ culture for skeletal niche development and regenerative medicine evaluation.
in European cells & materials
![publication icon](/resources/img/placeholder-60x60.png)
Inglis S
(2019)
3D human bone marrow stromal and endothelial cell spheres promote bone healing in an osteogenic niche.
in FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Title | "An understanding of the apparatus of bodily production in the stem cell and regenerative medicine space |
Description | A series of artworks, photographs and a book on "An understanding of the apparatus of bodily production in the stem cell and regenerative medicine space Developed over 2010 to 2012 and curated in 2013 |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Impact | "An understanding of the apparatus of bodily production in the stem cell and regenerative medicine space" Formed a major exhibition- a series of artworks and a book |
URL | https://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/business_partnership/success_stories/intra_actions_and_reconf... |
Title | Stem Cell Mountain |
Description | Large 2m diameter stem cell mountain exhibit with interactive pinball - marble run that aids the participant to understand stem cell transition form pluripotent state ( top of mountain) and progression to specialised developed tissues. The participant can determine stem cell fate and tissue orientation and development using the pinball levers |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Impact | 1) Impact on public: (all numbers are robust estimates unless specified) Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (1 day) - regional general public, predominantly families Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1300 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 400 Thomas Hardye School science day, Dorchester - Dorset secondary school students Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 300 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 300 [i.e. managed throughput so all students stayed at stand for length of time] Cheltenham Science Festival (6 days) - central exhibit in Discover Zone, mixed public audience (science specialists, general public, schools): Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1250 per day = 7500 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 300 per day = 1800 Glastonbury science tent (5 Days) - exhibit in shared Science Tent, mixed Festival audience (academics, post-docs, science specialists, general public, families and young people) Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1100 per day = 5500 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 500 per day = 2500 Winchester Science Festival (3 days - some bad weather!) - exhibition stand, family audience, SciFest talk attendees Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 300 per day = 900 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 150 per day = 450 Bestival Science Tent (4 days) - exhibit in shared Science Tent, mixed Festival audience (mainly general public and especially young people 17-25) Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1400 per day = 5600 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on your stand; 500 per day = 2000 Qualitative feedback from visitors: "This model illustrates stem cell science brilliantly, and it's fun too" "The stem cell machine was so brilliant - it really helped to explain how the body works in such an interactive and easy way" "Helpful, informative team of staff on hand" "Interesting to learn why stem cell research is so controversial" "Great explanation from volunteers about the stem cell model. My Year 6 pupils could then explain the purpose of the model - great" "That's how you teach science!" "It's great to see this activity is in the busiest tent in the field" "I'm glad we saw this - it makes a difference" "That's amazing - a really great way to show stem cell analysis" "I was considering doing a PhD at one point - I didn't think I'd reconsider it here" "The stem cell mountain - thank you for having this idea. It's such a clever way to explain the concept" "Such a simple way to represent a very complicated thing" "We need science like this in school. It's so much more interesting" The exhibit has substantially enhanced our engagement activities both in terms of quality and quantity of impact. As well as touring with the Bringing Research to Life Roadshow - which recognised it as the 'Best Engagement Activity - and through which over 7000 people have interacted with it to learn about stem cell biology, the exhibit is on permanent display at the Winchester Science Centre (>100,000 visitors annually). So popular is the exhibit there that we have now produced a replica to |
URL | https://issuu.com/university_of_southampton/docs/3297_uos_ris_e-mag_aw/c/spysdbe |
Description | The research programme has led to a number of key findings and developments: 1. Routine bone stem isolation protocols have been developed, providing a robust cell source for in vitro models recapitulating bone and cartilage development. 2. Development, for the first time, the precise temporal controlled release of a range of proteins and growth factors from a range of microparticles formulated from a variety of polymer/copolymer scaffolds for regenerative application 3. Development of two bioreactor technologies for the mechanical stimulation of bone stem cells, cell-seeded 3D constructs and organotypic foetal femurs in vitro. 4. Development and characterisation of novel chick chorioallantoic membrane culture system and organotypic culture models. The models have provided a unique set of tools that have enabled the analysis of angiogenesis and bone formation. The models provide a resource to interrogate requirements for the future regenerative strategies looking at combining growth factors with scaffold materials to initiate bone and cartilage repair. 5. Demonstration of new bone formation using unique polymer copolymer scaffolds with alginate and bone stem cells in a range of small and large animals - demonstrating the development from in vitro and ex vivo models of human development translating to improved scaffolds and skeletal stem cell treatments for regenerative medicine. 6. New Spin out developed in 2016 - Renovos Biologics Limited building on our skeletal stem cell and ex vivo work under LOLA funding 7. Work form the LOLA is also now incorporated and informing the new UKRMP II Programme commenced 2018-19 |
Exploitation Route | We have developed through this LOLA programme a number of new and exciting developments; 1. New materials for growth factor release for tissue regeneration 2. Innovative ex vivo models that allow evaluation of stem cells and tissue engineered constructs - providing new approaches to reduced animal experimentation 3. New methods for bone stem cell enrichment for research and skeletal regeneration 4. New bioreactor approaches and use of magnetic stimulation and conditioning to drive tissue repair - with potential to scale through to large animals and preclinical evaluation. |
Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | http://www.stemcells.org.uk |
Description | Development of new materials from the programme for regenerative medicine as well as new ex vivo models that will help reduce the numbers of animals used in experiments - addressing the 3RsWe use 3 animal models to determine bone regeneration. A subcutaneous implant model, a femur bone defect model and the chorioallantoic chick membrane model. The murine subcutaneous implant model has been refined in accordance with the 3Rs where we can place 6 implants under the skin of mice. This technique has refined and reduced the numbers of animals being used in our research studies. In addition, we can scan the mice by micro computed tomography at certain time points (typically bi weekly for 8 weeks) to evaluate osteogenesis of these implants. This in addition has reduced the number of mice required to analyse at these time points over the course of the experiment. A femoral defect model where a segmental or drill defect is made and the material of interest inserted into the defect in order to determine bone regeneration. Animals used in this model are also scanned by computed tomography at 2 weekly intervals for 8 weeks to monitor bone growth. This allows for the Reduction of animal required for the studies, as fewer animals are used than if animals had to be culled at each time-point. The third method is a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model which uses the CAM, a highly vascularised tissue of fertilised chicken eggs. This model uses the CAM to test the efficacy and biocompatibility of new bioengineered scaffolds to induce angiogenesis and/or osteogenesis. This is a refinement as we are not affecting the embryo as this grows normally during the duration of the experiment. In addition this model has become a screening model for new scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. If successful outcomes are not achieved in the CAM the test biomaterial is not translated to the above murine invasive models, therefore reducing the amount of animals required to test new biomaterials. Model now adopted by as number of groups (University of Sheffield, University of Keele). The CAM Modle and Orgnaotypic models have been recently presented ( 2022 and 2023) at teh ORthopaedic Research Society World Meeting and will be part of two workshops in 2023 on preclincal animal models for research ( ORS and European Orthopaedic Research Society). |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Title | Computer tomopgraphy (uCT) |
Description | ? New methodology (uCT) developed to analyse changes in bone structure after a short period of time such as the one experienced after the CAM assay |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | ? New methodology (uCT) developed to analyse changes in bone structure - improved data analysis across research spectrum |
Description | Angiogeneisis - Vasculature development- collaboration |
Organisation | Ludwig Boltzmann Society |
Department | Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology |
Country | Austria |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of new ex vivo approaches to angiogenesis and vascular development - specifically chorioallantoic membrane models - Development in partnership of a new decellularised scaffold matrix approach evaluation for skeletal tissue engineering. |
Collaborator Contribution | Innovative vascular scaffolds - using placental tissue (Human) |
Impact | Publications and joint grant applications |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | QUT Collaboration |
Organisation | Queensland University of Technology (QUT) |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of skeletal cell biology culture in sheep and development of orthopaedic large animal bone research |
Collaborator Contribution | Training of PhD candidate Dr Cameron Black, over 12 months, in 2 separate visits to develop skills in orthopaedic large animal bone research together with a full research study programme using a segmental and condyle in vivo models |
Impact | Joint research is currently being written up for publication |
Start Year | 2014 |
Company Name | Renovos Biologics Limited |
Description | Business Summary Renovos is a new company based in Southampton capitalising on decades of orthopaedic research. The company aims to be a leader in bone repair technologies. Business Description Renovos will offer: • products (stem cells for research) • services (low-cost, high-value in vivo screening assay) • therapeutics (patent-pending nanoclay preparations for drug delivery and tissue repair) |
Year Established | 2017 |
Impact | Formed only 3 months ago- yet to reach potential |
Website | http://renovos.co.uk/ |
Description | BBSRC GB Bioscience 2014 Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Large science festival over four days - reaching politicians and policy makers on day 1, school children on day 2 and public on days 3 and 4 Event held November 13-16th - over 6000 attended our stand over four days form school children to aged individuals, research councils and various education stakeholders |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/society/exhibitions/gb-bioscience-festival/scaffolds-cells-making-replacement... |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival - Central Exhibit in Discover Zone |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Stem Cell Mountain featured in 'Doc Brown's Lab' (in keeping with the 2015 Back to the Future Theme) at the famous Cheltenham Science Festival Discover Zone. The team interacted with an estimated 1800 visitors over 6 days. Received feedback such as the following: "Great explanation from volunteers about the stem cell model. My Year 6 pupils could then explain the purpose of the model - great" and "That's how you teach science!" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science/ |
Description | Interview on Radio Solent about the Stem Cell Mountain |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview on Radio Solent with Louisa Hannan about our group's involvement in the BBSRC Great British Bioscience Festival and the idea behind the Stem Cell Mountain. A family member listening to broadcast commented - 'First time someones explained what a stem cell is in a way I can understand'. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0295kzk |
Description | Invited Presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Over 125 people attended a workshop on "Safety and Stem Cell-Derived Cell Replacement Therapies' on 7th/8th October 2019 in Edinburgh, which raised a number of issues and approaches aorund the safety and application of stem cell derived cell therapies. The workshop provided a forum to discuss the safety around cell therapies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Invited Speaker - DASCS 2017 Conference, Odense |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | 2nd November 2017: Invited Speaker - DASCS (Danish Stem Cell Society) 2017 Conference, Odense - Skeletal Cell Based Strategies for Bone Repair - Opportunities and Challenges |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited Speaker at my own institution for the Institute of Developmental Sciences 10 Year Celebration Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | 8th November 2017: IDS 10th Anniversary Event Celebrating 10 Years of Research Excellence The theme of the day was 'A Life Course of Health' and this conference was designed to be a discovery of medical research across the life course, bringing together academics from the Insititute of Developmental Sciences (IDS) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton to share their insight. The day consisted of six engaging hot science talks and I presented in the Regenerative Medicine section. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited Speaker: Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Gave talk on "Harnessing Clay for Growth Factor, BMP-2, Delivery for Orthopaedics" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited lecture at the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit - Musculoskeletal Lecture Series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Online Seminar: "Regenerative Musculoskeletal Medicine: Skeletal cell based strategies for bone regeneration from bench to clinic" on Tuesday 26th January 2021 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited speaker - 2018 Croucher Program, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker - 2018 Croucher Program - Stem Cells Biology and Regenerative Medicine -Location (Site): Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. Lecture 1: New approaches to skeletal cell based bone regeneration: repair, restore and recreate Lecture 2: Harnessing ex vivo and in vivo models to interrogate and validate bone formation strategies Lecture 3: Understanding anabolic and catabolic gene regulation in osteoarthritis |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.ort.cuhk.edu.hk/csc2018/index.html |
Description | Keynote Speaker - CDT Regenerative Medicine Conference, Manchester 12th July 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This conference brings together the graduate students affiliated to the three CDTs in Regenerative Medicine (Leeds, Loughborough/Keele/Nottingham, Manchester) and represents one of the largest UK-based annual conferences in the area of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. The conference is broad ranging, encapsulating the scope of cutting edge research in regenerative medicine, with research themes including biomaterials, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, extracellular matrix and inflammation, gene and cell therapy and nanomedicine. Invited as a plenary speaker to give a 30 minute talk to share work on bone development and regeneration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Keynote speaker at symposium in Spain |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Keynote talk "New approaches to skeletal cell based bone regeneration: repair, restore and recreate" to an audience of people working in Biomedical Institutes in Coruña and Santiago and students (Biology, Medicine and Masters students). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | LifeLab - School Interaction |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Type Of Presentation | Poster Presentation |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Several schools involved in learninig about health, nutrition and disease risk - up to 100 Children involved Schools interested in continuing the programme |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2013 |
Description | NHS OPEN DAY |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A full day presentation on Scaffolds and cells - making replacement body parts in the lab at Southampton General Hospital- attended by over 1000 people Strong interest from children as a result of a new "Stem Cell Pinball" display built specifically for the event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.stemcells.org.uk/ |
Description | National Science Week |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Several thousand visitied University of Southampton Science event- the Bone and Joint Musculoskeletal Activity drew approx 200-300 individuals who activelty participated (made models, discussed bone repair, handeled samples) in the last science week exhibition. Candidates asked specifically about Medicine Bachelor of Medicine programmes and how to apply. Patients asked if they could jopin clinical trials in the future as availalble for impaction bone grafting - so extremely positive feedback for the researchers on this project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2015,2016 |
Description | New Forest Show- Public Science Engagement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Large Stand on Bone Research at the New Forest Show - Aim was to explain Bone Research undertaken at University of Southampton Bone and Joint Research Group- throughput of 100s of people over three days - sparked young children and school children interest in bone research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2016,2018,2019,2022 |
Description | Open Conference "Stem cells for bone regeneration: state-of-the-art research and solutions" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited Speaker - Bonebank Conference, Odense, Denmark. "Skeletal stem cells for bone tissue regeneration.". The audience were peer scientists, clinicians and industrialist to inform, educate and debate developments in translational bone research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Postgraduate Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Scaffolds and cells - making replacement body parts in the lab - an exhibition showcasing the ability to harness cells and scaffolds - including 3D print technology for orthopaedic regenerative medicine applications Interest for future research projects and collaborations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.stemcells.org.uk/ |
Description | Presentation at University of Southampton |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | 3Rs 1 day meeting - presentation "Replacement - Case Study Use of Organotypic cultures and chorioallantoic membrane - Replacement strategies" at University of Southampton - 21/01/15 (Open to the general scientific community - 150+ people) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Scaffolds and cells - making replacement body parts in the lab - Exhibit at the BBSRC Great British Bioscience Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Engaged over 6500 visitors from across the UK as part of the BBSRC run GBBF. EPSRC grant generated the centre piece of our exhibit - the Stem cell mountain - a large interactive pinball machine built in collaboration with Winchester Science Centre to communicate the concept of Stem Cell Potential. In response to the feedback question 'Tell us something from your visit that you found particularly interesting' the answer 'Stem Cells' was one of the most frequently given. Through a conversation at this exhibition a talented international MSc student from Queen Mary's was inspired to commence a PhD project (self-funded) in my group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Science Day at University of Southampton |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Science Day ('Stem Cell Mountain' & Bone regenerative medicine display') at University of Southampton - 14/03/15. (Open to the general public - 1000+ visitors) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008,2011,2013,2015,2016 |
Description | Scientific Committee & Invited Speaker at European Orthopaedic Research Society (EORS) 2018 in Galway, Ireland |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave talk on "Skeletal Cell Based Strategies for Bone Repair - Opportunities and Challenges" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Southampton Science and Engineering Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stem Cell Mountain at the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival (1 day) - regional general public, predominantly families Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1300 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on the stand; 400 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Speaker at UKRMP Conference UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited Speaker - Inaugural UK Regenerative Medicine Conference, London. "Size matters - Harnessing biomimetic materials for skeletal tissue engineering." The audience were peer scientists, clinicians and industrialist to inform, educate and debate developments in translational bone research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Speaker for Schools talk at Testwood College |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 19th October 2017: Talk to Year 9 and 10 students at Testwood Sports College |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Speakers for Schools talk at Oasis Academy Mayfield |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 21st June 2018 - Gave an interactive 25 minute talk "Stem cells - Building bone in the lab" to 55 14 and 15 year olds at Oasis Academy Mayfield |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Stem Cell Mountain Outreach Programme (New Forest Country Show) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stem Cell Mountain outreach programme at the New Forest Country Show 28/07/15 (general public, farmers, agricultural community. 105,000 people visited over 3 days). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Stem Cell Mountain at Bestival Music Festival Science Tent |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stem Cell Mountain at the Bestival Music Festival Science Tent (4 days) - exhibit in shared Science Tent, mixed Festival audience (mainly general public and especially young people 17-25) Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1400 per day = 5600 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on stand; 500 per day = 2000 Particularly notable was the impact of this activity on the researchers themselves and how they viewed the importance of their own research. For example one researcher reported: "This festival was great to see how amazed people are about the potential of stem cells" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Stem Cell Mountain at the Glastonbury Music Festival Science Tent |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stem Cell Mountain exhibit in shared Science Tent, mixed Festival audience (academics, post-docs, science specialists, general public, families and young people) Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 1100 per day = 5500 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on stand; 500 per day = 2500 Engaged classically hard to reached audience. Quote: "I was considering doing a PhD at one point - I didn't think I'd reconsider it here" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Stem Cell Mountain on Tour - Overview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The EPSRC funded Stem Cell Mountain Roadshow Exhibit combines the fun of a pin ball machine with a profound metaphor for a key biological concept. The stem cell mountain was designed in collaboration with Winchester Science Centre to bring to life the complex idea of stem cell potential. The exhibit has engaged festival goers at Glastonbury and Bestival, science aficionados at the UK's top Science Festivals, as well as the 100000 visitors per year that visit the Winchester Science Centre where a replica is full time resident (see individual entries for numbers at each event) Qualitative feedback on Stem Cell Mountain from the public: "This model illustrates stem cell science brilliantly, and it's fun too" "The stem cell machine was so brilliant - it really helped to explain how the body works in such an interactive and easy way" "Helpful, informative team of staff on hand" "Interesting to learn why stem cell research is so controversial" "Great explanation from volunteers about the stem cell model. My Year 6 pupils could then explain the purpose of the model - great" "That's how you teach science!" "It's great to see this activity is in the busiest tent in the field" "I'm glad we saw this - it makes a difference" "That's amazing - a really great way to show stem cell analysis" "I was considering doing a PhD at one point - I didn't think I'd reconsider it here" "The stem cell mountain - thank you for having this idea. It's such a clever way to explain the concept" "Such a simple way to represent a very complicated thing" "We need science like this in school. It's so much more interesting" Qualitative feedback from the Stem Cell Mountain team of researchers: "One of the amazing perks that come with researching! Great day, talked to many interesting people from various backgrounds and ages (from 5yr olds to 70 year old ex-specialists in the area). Very good and helpful for both the people that we talk to and for us as researchers" "It made me think my research matters" "It helps you to step back and see the amazing things you get to study in university with fresh eyes" "People were really interested in what are doing in our research" "It is a great opportunity to leave the academic bubble and a useful and interesting attempt to explain science research to a wide audience. The best thing is seeing people's reactions when everything clicks and makes sense to them!" "The stem cell mountain is very impressive. Proud to represent" "This festival was great to see how amazed people are about the potential of stem cells" " A brilliant way to inform the public about the work we do" " A pleasure to meet and collaborate with the range and depth of skills and knowledge in our roving science tent" "I was blown away by the strength, diversity and great nature of the team" "I've really enjoyed manning the stem cell volcano - my first experience of the exhibit. I'd quite like one in my living room!" "It's good to see so many people interested in stem cell research" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
Description | Talk at ICORs workshop, Montreal |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk on "Regenerative Medicine Approaches and Technologies for Bone Augmentation" at ICORS Workshop: BORS Regenerative Medicine - Coming to a Clinic Near you Soon? |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Technology for Life Showcase at University of Southampton |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Knowledge exchange with policy stakeholders to inform, potentially, research directions in the future Following visit policy makers aware of the research activity of the group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Thomas Hardye School Science Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A Dorset secondary school open day engaging 300 students with translational stem cell medicine. First experience of public engagement for several colleagues who reported great satisfaction with the experience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.southampton.ac.uk/per/university/roadshow.page |
Description | Wessex Medical Charity Talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Approx 80 attendees attended presentation - this resulted in extensive discussion and debate afterwards and over dinner Request for a repeat presentation for Wessex Charity |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2015 |
Description | Winchester Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stem Cell Mountain at a three day up and coming science festival. Engaged largely family audience and science festival talk attendees Measure 1: visitors passing stand; 300 per day = 900 Measure 2: visitors interacting with researchers on stand; 150 per day = 450 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Winchester Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 29 - 30 July 2017 - Stem Cell Mountain at a three day festival. Engaged largely with family audience and science festival talk attendees - led ot gernerla interest in our basic research programmes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |