University officials celebrated the past 10 years of breakthrough discoveries in the area of stem-cell research by James Thomson at the Overture Center for the Arts Tuesday.
Thomson, who was named by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people in May, is the director of regenerative biology at the Morgridge Institute for Research on campus. He is also a professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Thomson began his research in Wisconsin by deriving human embryonic stem cells from monkeys, which led to the development of stem cells into primitive blood cells. These cells eventually became red and white blood cells and platelets.
The developments helps current scientists in the fight toward finding treatments and cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“This research made Wisconsin the birthplace of stem-cell research, with the best and the brightest researchers who continue to lead the world,” Gov. Jim Doyle said in a video to the attendees.
Thomson and various other researchers started on the next stage of stem-cell research by using skin cells to create new stem cells. Due to their work, new centers have been established around Wisconsin in which scientists work to find treatments to save lives.
According to Doyle, Wisconsin now has 35,000 workers involved in bioscience research and industry, which contribute about $9 billion to the economy of Wisconsin with $38 billion of this going toward federal research support for stem cells.
“Stem-cell research not only represents the promise to save lives and improve health but its also created new economic opportunity for the state,” Doyle said.
In his speech, Thomson addressed the Wisconsin Idea, which serves to better the state through the work of the UW System. Thomson said his job is to attempt to solve problems relating to the health and quality of life for the people of Wisconsin.
Thomson said he is proud of the research he has done, but does not like to look at the past.
“I prefer to look at the next 10 years,” he said. “I think that we have been a key player in [scientific research] in the past and I’d love to stay in the Wisconsin community.”
