MICA: Development of Metrics and Quality Standards for Scale up of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: School of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Many diseases remain untreatable in spite of advances in medicine world-wide. In recent years there has been much interest in using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), unspecialised cells which can be coaxed using molecules that are found normally in the developing body to produce any cell type. Such stem cells can therefore be used to produce particular repair tissues for patients with different diseases that are so far incurable or for damaged tissues following injury. In order for this to be possible in a manner affordable to our healthcare systems, we need to generate banks of stem cells of different human background which have different immunological tissue types. These can then be used to make desired specialised cells tailored to the patient. However at the moment we do not have reliable ways to grow the cells in large numbers without damaging them, or changing their properties so that they cannot make healthy tissues. In this proposal we will develop the conditions for generating healthy stem cells in large numbers while protecting them from damaging influences. We will generate a system that will be suitable for an automated cell factory so that the cells can be monitored and maintained in pristine stress-free conditions and expanded in a stable way enabling them to in turn generate healthy tissues for the clinic. Such a system has been developed by a company, Tokyo Electron, which now has a base in the UK. We will evaluate a whole series of different properties of these hPSCs and work out which attributes of the cells predict their health and retention of the ability to make more stem cells and form specialised cells. These properies will be compared against commercial and other alternative hPSC test systems and, in the second phase, fed back to further improve culture conditions. In this subsequent second phase we will trial the improved culture conditions with continued cell monitoring for 'good' and 'bad' cell markers in the automated cell factory. The established validated properties will be made available to other researchers so that they can use them to improve their expansion of PSCs and subsequently generate different specialised cell types for different patient needs.

Technical Summary

Expansion and banking of "off the shelf" allogeneic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived lineages poses a realistic option for tissue repair, affordable to public/private health care systems. However, the regenerative medicine community currently lacks affordable and scalable systems. This bottleneck for translational programmes requires novel solutions as a matter of urgency, with the availability of clinical grade human embryonic stem cell, and in the near future human induced pluripotent stem cell lines. The overarching goal of this proposal is the development and qualification of a novel system for the automated scale up of hPSCs invented by Tokyo Electron (EU base in Stevenage), for subsequent differentiation into therapeutically valuable lineages. The novel, entirely enclosed, automated culture system suitable for next generation stem cell therapy manufacturing will use non-invasive image evaluation and non invasive biochemical/genetic monitoring to allow evaluation of cell health and phenotype during cell expansion. Thus, only healthy cells can be selected for continued culture or entry into therapeutic differentiation protocols. In this proposal we will develop the metrics to ensure optimal conditions for stable expanded hPSC culture, including growth rates/phenotype and karyotypic/epigenetic normality. Deep phenotyping will include cell morphology via refinement of computer algorithms, genetic (e.g.CGH array) and epigenetic profiling and both discovery and targeted secretome metabolite/proteome analysis. Pluripotency will be assured via development of high throughput novel differentiation marker analysis replacing teratoma formation. We will generate new biomarkers based on culture medium analysis (secretome, biosensor data) to refine culture conditions and generate new media/substrate combinations. We will deliver online/Cloud-based metrics analysis tools available to UK/ other stem cell communities adaptable for other scale up applications.

Planned Impact

Tissue degeneration in an aging or sick population presents an ever-increasing clinical burden for patients and healthcare systems, with costs rising rapidly. The idea that stem cell, including hPSC, products might relieve this burden is tempered by the lack of scalable culture and differentiation systems that allow cell therapies to be delivered quickly at affordable cost. Through partnership with an inwardly-investing company, Tokyo Electron Ltd (TEL), our 2 phase proposal will address this need by combining deep hPSC analysis with state of the art bioinformatics and engineering approaches to develop and validate minimum sets of biomarkers that quantifiably define cell quality standards. This will be of broad use to hPSP user communities, and will also enable TEL's development of a fully enclosed Smart Cell System that can scale up and bank quality controlled hPSCs for differentiation to valuable lineages.
Researchers in the UK regenerative medicine community will benefit from Open Access to optimised protocols and reagents for culturing, monitoring and quantifying quality criteria of hPSCs. Novel resources, knowledge and tools (e.g. biosensors) will be produced from bioinformatics analyses of deep phenotyping data derived by cell characterisation, proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, genetic and epigenetic analyses. These will underpin and impact, multiple UK and international initiatives: £40m Regenerative Medicine & Capital Equipment Call funded 5 RCUK and 3 BHF Platform hubs; 3 MRC clinical grade hESC derivation centres; £13m MRC-Wellcome hiPSC scheme; euro29m IMI EU Bank for hiPSC (EBISC). Researchers in these initiatives and elsewhere will benefit from the new analytical kits and biosensors that spin-out from the industrial partnerships developed. Close connection (see letter of support) and researcher exchange and training within our consortium and between these initiatives will foster the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.
Biopharma and Industry will immediately benefit via £2.9m of inward investment from TEL into its Stevenage site and £500K cash/in-kind to this project. Consortium partners have funding and/or partnerships with Intercytex, Syngenta, GSK, AstraZeneca, Roche, Clyde Biosciences & Pluriomics. As well as partnering with the academics in this consortium, TEL is linking with UK companies such as Orla Protein (Newcastle; culture substrates), Cell Guidance Systems (Cambridge; media) and Plexus Inc. (Edinburgh; robotics). These companies will benefit from our consortium, as will those we approach for the development of quality control testing kits/assays (e.g. Stem Cell Technologies, Miltenyi Biotech, LifeTech) and matrices (e.g. Nunc, Corning and Greiner). Exploitation, IP and licencing will be via Tech Transfer Offices and TEL; see Pathways to Impact and MICA for details.
The NHS will directly link to the proposal since Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) is one of only five Department of Health designated AHSCs in the UK, which recognises excellence across research, innovation, education, patient service and translational medicine. Brison is employed within Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), a key partner of MAHSC, wherein CMFT's remit is to translate basic research into clinical practice working with professional bodies e.g. RCPath. These routes will ensure impact in the healthcare system.
The public will benefit by being the recipients of new healthcare technologies in the future. They will be well informed since the academic partners have proven track records in engagement through channels ranging from television, radio and newspapers to public engagement days, science cafes, school education events and websites (e.g. www.eurostemcell.org).
Regulators will be kept abreast of developments through existing links via e.g. HFEA Scientific Advisory Committee (Brison & Young), MHRA (Brison), and stem cell banking and regulation (Stacey).

Publications

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Dixon JE (2016) Highly efficient delivery of functional cargoes by the synergistic effect of GAG binding motifs and cell-penetrating peptides. in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

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Ferreira MJS (2022) Pluripotent stem cells for skeletal tissue engineering. in Critical reviews in biotechnology

 
Title Art in Science image exhibition in Nottingham 
Description A public exhibition on outdoor display around Nottingham County Council's Highfields Park. Each of the 27 boards at A0 size displayed a stunning science image, highlighted the researcher and contained 3 simple messages on 1) the medical problem, 2) what we are doing to solve it, 3) what the science image shows. This exhibition has been on display for 6 months so far and the Park has an average monthly footfall of around 50,000 people. In parallel, the images have been used to promote research through social media over a 6 month period, including on Twitter and Instagram 
Type Of Art Image 
Year Produced 2021 
Impact Greater appreciation of the science this is conducted at the University of Nottingham and just how beautiful scientific 'inner space' can be, hence the title of Art in Science 
 
Description Animal Free Research UK "Villains and victims - Deciphering the impact of cell- and mutation-type on cardiac fibrosis".
Amount £146,740 (GBP)
Funding ID AFR19-20293 
Organisation Animal Free Research UK 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2020 
End 05/2023
 
Description BHF P47352/ Centre for Regenerative Medicine
Amount £2,500,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BHF P47352 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2017 
End 09/2021
 
Description Do snoRNAs govern genotype-phenotype interactions in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Amount £1,000,000 (GBP)
Funding ID SP/F/22/150044 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2023 
End 05/2028
 
Description FAPESP-UoB/UoN grant with Lygia Pereira, Sao Paolo
Amount £40,000 (GBP)
Organisation São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) 
Sector Public
Country Brazil
Start 01/2018 
End 06/2019
 
Description Grant funding
Amount £120,000 (GBP)
Organisation Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2017 
End 05/2021
 
Description MRC Confidence in Concept
Amount £58,510 (GBP)
Organisation University of Manchester 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2018 
End 07/2019
 
Description MRC Programme Grant MR/W016176/1: Exploiting a novel molecular toolkit to explore cell type specific adenosine receptor pharmacology and regulation at endogenous levels of expression. £2M 2022-2027. PI Steve Hill. Co-Is: Chris Denning, Jeanette Woolard,
Amount £2,000,000 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/W016176/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2022 
End 05/2027
 
Description MRC-AIM iCASE studentship joint with GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca. Unravelling drug-gene-phenotype interactions in complex cardiovascular diseases: A PhD studentship co-sponsored iCASE with AstraZeneca (AZ) & GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Amount £200,000 (GBP)
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2022 
End 09/2026
 
Description RCUK/MRC (inter-University strategic grant) UKRM platform hub Analysing and Exploiting the Stem Cell Niche.
Amount £3,500,000 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/K026666/1 
Organisation UK Regenerative Medicine Platform 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2013 
End 10/2017
 
Description Validating CRISPR-engineered human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as tools to assist with toxicity profiling, adverse drug reaction notices and black box warnings
Amount £49,996 (GBP)
Funding ID NC/T2T0119 
Organisation National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2020 
End 07/2021
 
Description • BBSRC iCASE studentship joint with GlaxoSmithKline. Development of multiparametric kinetic data and analytics workflows for the generation of an hiPSC-cardiomyocyte based cardiovascular model. PI, Denning. £120K. Oct 2019 to Jan 2024
Amount £120,000 (GBP)
Organisation GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 
Sector Private
Country Global
Start 09/2019 
End 01/2024
 
Description • BHF Special Project no. SP/15/9/31605. "Coupling gene targeted reporters with fully automated compound library screening to mature hPSC-cardiomyocytes".
Amount £1,100,000 (GBP)
Funding ID SP/15/9/31605 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2016 
End 12/2019
 
Description • BHF: CRMR/21/290009: Renewed Funding for the BHF Centres of Regenerative Medicine. 1.10.21 to 30.09.2024. £1,540,553 of which £475,165 to Denning as UoN PI
Amount £475,000 (GBP)
Funding ID CRMR/21/290009 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 09/2024
 
Description • BHF: PG/21/10545. Evaluating the role of novel loci in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 05-01-2022 to 04-01-2025. £301,755. Denning, PI
Amount £301,755 (GBP)
Funding ID PG/21/10545 
Organisation British Heart Foundation (BHF) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2022 
End 01/2025
 
Description • EPSRC Impact Accelerator Award. A Strategic Partnership with the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM) to Commercialise Stem Cell Culture Polymers
Amount £67,000 (GBP)
Funding ID n/a 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2015 
End 02/2017
 
Description • MRC-AIM iCASE studentship joint with GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca. Unravelling drug-gene-phenotype interactions in complex cardiovascular diseases: A PhD studentship co-sponsored iCASE with AstraZeneca (AZ) & GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) - PhD Application.
Amount £120,000 (GBP)
Organisation GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 
Sector Private
Country Global
Start 09/2022 
End 09/2026
 
Title F1000Research article (Bhagwan) 
Description Published methods or targeting to safe harbour locus in human pluripotent stem cells 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Interest, views and uptake by other researchers 
URL https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4573316.v1
 
Title MICA standard hESC cell bank (NIBSC) 
Description Central stock of well characterised H9 hESCs for use by partners in the MICA TEE project and MTA with WiCell for lab transfer completed 
Type Of Material Cell line 
Year Produced 2015 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Enhanced standardisation across the investigation by the project partners through provision of cells from the central stock 
 
Title Methods & Protocols article (Mosqeira) 
Description High throughput approaches for non-subjective quantification of cardiomyocyte function in vitro 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Uptake, interest and use by others - one published article followed pretty much exactly the criteria we set out word for word, which gave us extra confidence and validation..! Link to PMID: 31717790 for our article 
 
Title Nanobodies 
Description Development of nanobodies agianst biomarkers for use in secretome assay for pluripotency. Funded by Translation Manchester: Wellcome Trust Translational Partnership Award 2022-2023 Confidence for Translation Jowitt T & Kimber SJ, Tools for stem cell biomarker identification £71,453. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact not yet 
 
Title Additional file 1: of High quality clinical grade human embryonic stem cell lines derived from fresh discarded embryos 
Description Supplemental information includes supplemental experimental procedures, one figure and one table. (ZIP 292 kb) 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_1_of_High_quality_clinical_grad...
 
Title Additional file 1: of High quality clinical grade human embryonic stem cell lines derived from fresh discarded embryos 
Description Supplemental information includes supplemental experimental procedures, one figure and one table. (ZIP 292 kb) 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Additional_file_1_of_High_quality_clinical_grad...
 
Title Data from: Simultaneous measurement of excitation-contraction coupling parameters identifies mechanisms underlying contractile responses of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes 
Description Cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) are increasingly recognized as valuable for determining the effects of drugs on ion channels but they do not always accurately predict contractile responses of the human heart. This is in part attributable to their immaturity but the sensitivity of measurement tools may also be limiting. Measuring action potential, calcium flux or contraction individually misses critical information that is captured when interrogating the complete excitation-contraction coupling cascade simultaneously. Here, we develop an hypothesis-based statistical algorithm that identifies mechanisms of action. We design and build a high-speed optical system to measure action potential, cytosolic calcium and contraction simultaneously using fluorescent sensors. These measurements are automatically processed, quantified and then assessed by the algorithm. Multiplexing these three critical physical features of hiPSC-CMs allows identification of all major drug classes affecting contractility with detection sensitivities higher than individual measurement of action potential, cytosolic calcium or contraction. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.67c92vm
 
Description Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult 
Organisation Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult will validate the biomarkers included in our Patent derived form the MRC MiCA grant with TEL and my MRC CiC award
Collaborator Contribution They will test the markers on the secretome of further pluripotent stem cells to the 5+ we have tested to date.
Impact None yet
Start Year 2020
 
Description Drug Discovery Catapult 
Organisation Medicines Discovery Catapult
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Contribution of human pluripotent stem cell and cardiomyocyte disease modelling and drug screening
Collaborator Contribution Knowledge of drug development, complex models and technology platforms
Impact Project started March 2020
Start Year 2019
 
Description Randox 
Organisation Randox Laboratories
Country Global 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Randox have not delivered on our collaboration to validate secretome biomarkers for eevaluation of pluripotency. We have therfor with drawn from the collaboration and moved to another collaborator.
Collaborator Contribution Collaboration was to be in antibodies and antibody related know how and to validate our biomarkers in their systems.
Impact CiC applicaion obtained but due to non delivery fdid not pursue further grant funding.
Start Year 2017
 
Description TEL 
Organisation Tokyo Electron and FBRI Kobe
Country Japan 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Development of new iPSC culture an passaging method; Part of MICA consortium grant
Collaborator Contribution Sharing and development of new culture and passaging method for iPSC
Impact Grant applicaion awarded 2015 MRC Mica
Start Year 2012
 
Title Pluripotency biomarkers form secretome 
Description Biomarkers in pluripotent stem cell secretome for identification of pluripotent cells or loss of. pluripotency 
IP Reference PCT/GB2020/051752 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2020
Licensed No
Impact Interaction with CGTC and MTA for their validation
 
Description Art in Science: Community Workshops 
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 Communicating science through the use of arts and textile to Nottinghamshire communities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://city-arts.org.uk/project/heart/
 
Description Art in Science: Exhibition event 
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 Open forum to show how art and science can come together and enhance understanding of both disciplines
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Art in Science: Festival of Science & Curiosity 
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 Nottinghamshire-wide Festival of Science & Curiosity to expand knowledge and engagement of science
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://nottsfosac.co.uk/
 
Description Art in Science: Science in the Park 
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 Science in the Park attracts national audiences to explore different types of science, with an emphasis on family participation and engagement
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://wollatonhall.org.uk/science-in-the-park/
 
Description BBC4: • The Secrets of Size: Going Small on BBC4 Monday 16th May 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Part of the BBC4 series on Secrets of Size. Our contribution was on how stem cells can be converted into heart cells to an audience of millions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0017frp
 
Description CMFT Xmas lecture 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Xmas Royal Society-style lecture for Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust "The Stem Cell Revolution".

School visit requests
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description COVID testing: SkyNews, BBC News, BBC East Midlands Today. Throughout 2020, 2021, 2022. Audience size, millions 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The University of Nottingham COVID Asymptomatic Testing Service used sensitive PCR approaches on non-invasive saliva samples. I led the Service, including to accreditation by the UK Accreditation Service. More than 150,000 samples were processed, which helped keep the UoN campuses open during the pandemic. This activity built on the research techniques used in my lab. The Service attracted considerable media interest, including visits and pieces done by SkyNews, BBC National News, BBC East Midlands Today, Radio Nottingham, and was raised during Parliamentary debates in the House of Commons
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021,2022
URL https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/coronavirus/university-testing-service/index.aspx
 
Description Cross parliamentary discussion on the important of non-animal technologies 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Cross parliamentary discussion on the importance of non-animal technologies to inform politicians of the need, and how, to progress this area of research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Denning: German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation at the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) workshop
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Denning: INCOR inter-laboratory exchange workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation at INCOR inter-laboratory exchange workshop, Sao Paolo, Brazil
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Denning: University of Sao Paolo inter-laboratory exchange workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation at University of Sao Paolo inter-laboratory exchange workshop
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Faraday Lecture Cambridge 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Faraday Public Lecture
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Guardian newspaper article on ART child health 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Guardian newspaper article on ART child health
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Heart Research UK booklet Jan 2018 - Outstanding Researcher Award 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Heart Research UK booklet Jan 2018 - Outstanding Researcher Award
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Invited conference presentation during 2016-2017 reporting period 
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 Presented at >20 international conferences in Europe, Middle East, Asia and USA, each having 50 to 500 delegates from professional academic, public, media, patient and industry
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017
 
Description Invited lecture to EU Student Parliament debate on embryo research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Invited lecture to EU Student parliament debate on human embryo research including embryonic stem cell derivation, in Salford, UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Knutsford Sci bar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation and discussion on developments an uses in Pluripotent stem cell research. Discussed therpeutic uses in e,g, drug development anf testing and cell based therapy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Lancashire Humanists 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 70 people attenced a public lecture on stem cell biology

Requests for other talks to Humanist groups.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description Maastricht will host the 11th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences. August 2021 
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 Panel speaker at Maastricht will host the 11th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences. August 2021
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.eslav.org/events/11th-world-congress-on-alternatives-and-animal-use-in-the-life-sciences...
 
Description Membership of ESHRE ART Culture medium working party 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact ESHRE Culture medium working party established to consider safety of ART culture media, publish a report and liaise with industry over implications.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Membership of HFEA's Information for Quality Programme 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Membership of HFEA's Information for Quality Programme
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Membership of HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Membership of HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016
 
Description New Scientist Article on ART child health 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview for article in New Scientist on research into ART child health
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Pig to human heart transplant: Radio 4; GB News. Feb 2022. Audience size, millions 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interview on the pros and cons of the first ever pig to human heart transplant
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00146c3
 
Description Pint of Science 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact • Pint of Science: The Waterfront (under show title- "The day we find the cure").
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation: Denning: British cardiovascular Society, Manchester, UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation: Denning: British cardiovascular Society, Manchester, UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Radio 4 interview re 'Promising' stem cell trials for blindness 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Daniel Brison interviewed and commented on news story re stem cell therapies

Raising public awareness
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description Radio 4 interview with Mark Porter 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Sue Kimber interviewed on Radio 4 Case Notes programme re stem cell therapies

Raised public awareness, led to doubled patient and GP interest in NWESCC
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
 
Description STEM Cell Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk triggered questions and interest

Students suggested they would like to apply for bio/biomed in Manchester
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description School 6th form talk 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Talk about Stem Cells and regenerative medicine to 5 6th form groups at local school
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description School 6th form talk 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Atalk given to 5, 6th form groups about stem cells and medicine
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Scibar Disbury 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk about the uses and developments in pluripotent stem cell biology anf the potential for drug testing and cell therapy
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Science Media Centre press conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Type Of Presentation Keynote/Invited Speaker
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Press conference organised by SMC to discuss press release concerning submission of clinical grade embryonic stem cell lines to the UK Stem Cell Bank

Interest from media, followup stories. Followup contacts from industry resulting directly from press release.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description South Africa public engagement 
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 Series of talks in cities and a rural community in South Africa to community, university and church groups
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Stem Cells and Regenerative medicine from chondrocytes to kidneys 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on Regenerative medicine to U3A members
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Stem cells magic for future medicine U3A 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact U3A and other organisations in area Public engagement and discussion about future medicine
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Undercover COVID. Lead expert witness for BBC Panorama. April 2021. Audience size, millions 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact I was the lead expert on "BBC Panorama undercover inside the testing lab", which exposed awful practices, false results and risk to the public
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000tqjj
 
Description University of the third Age (U3A) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Exploring with audiences from U3A on science, ethics and public engagement
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description What is Regenerative Medicine? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Lay type presentation explaining what the opportunities are in the sector with exemplar talks form PhD students postdoctoral researchers and research fellows
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description What is Regenerative Medicine? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact A workshop to inform Undergraduates about what regenerative medicine is and how t can expand the possibiites for Medicine ( based on our successful workshop in 2017)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Wolfson Foundation promotional booklet 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Produced double page article for Wolfson Impact Campaign to promote the research and facilities to which this funding organisation contributed
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Women in Science Becoming the Best 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Dissemaination of information advice and support for women's role and leadership in scince
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016