Stem cell research represents an important pillar for the development of novel therapeutic concepts for regenerative medicine. Within the frame of the German-Canadian cooperation in this field of research a unique cooperation between the World Conference for Regenerative Medicine in Leipzig and the Till & McCulloch Meeting 2013 in Banff, Canada, has been launched. To increase impact and scientific exchange of both events, different programs such as the mutual invitation of renowned guest speakers, live broadcasting as well as an exchange program for young scientists are being organized.

From now on, young German scientists (up to and including the age of 33 years old) are welcome to apply for the program on the conference homepage www.wcrm-leipzig.com. Applicants who have registered and submitted an abstract for the World Conference for Regenerative Medicine, will thus have the opportunity to present their work abroad to an international audience. A jury will nominate the five especially outstanding abstracts from all applications. Each winner will receive a travel scholarship to the Canadian conference, which includes funding for flight, accommodation and participation in the Till & McCulloch Meeting.

A live broadcast, enabling participants of both conferences to follow the presentations from the partner country, is another highlight of the German-Canadian cooperation. In addition, Mick Bhatia as one of the most renowned Canadian stem cell researchers has been invited to Leipzig. In return, Prof. Oliver Bruestle will represent German stem cell research in Canada.

The bi-annual World Conference on Regenerative Medicine is organized by the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI and the Translational Center for Regenerative Medicine (TRM) of the Universität Leipzig. About 1,000 international scientists will talk about current development and research results within the fields of stem cell technologies, cell therapeutics, biomaterials and tissue engineering.