The Training program in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Toronto, 2011-12; Batch enrollment begins Classes commence in September 2011

A comprehensive series of webcasted lectures on stem cell research, gene therapy, organ failure, innovative technologies, knowledge translation and ethical issues in the field of regenerative medicine from the University of Toronto to train scholars at the NCRM in Chennai

30 June 2011. The Training Program in Regenerative Medicine (TPRM), an academic program in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine and affiliated with four Canadian universities, (namely the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, McMaster University and the University of Western Ontario) is now accepting applications from interested scholars who wish to enroll in the 4th batch starting in September 2011 at NCRM, Chennai, India

Regenerative Medicine is an evolving branch of medicine, which has great potential to provide new solutions and treatments to incurable diseases using research in stem cells and progenitor cells. While the field possesses such potential, it is imperative to recognize that scientists and researchers must follow all scientific, ethical and clinical parameters, all based on evidence, to ensure safety and yield efficacy. Regenerative medicine is a unique branch of medicine with constant need for upgrading and interaction with health sciences and translational studies. Through web-based training, the TPRM provides a broad interdisciplinary platform to train future scientists and clinicians. At the Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) in Chennai, lectures are webcasted from the University of Toronto campus. TPRM has a series of 40 lectures given by internationally respected experts on topics such as, organ failures, sources of cells for probable treatment, gene therapy, tissue and biomedical engineering, ethical concerns in research, knowledge translation and future prospects in clinical application. Enrollment is open until July 31st, 2011 for students, scholars of PhD and teaching staff in the departments of life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary sciences, and dentistry

The purpose of this initiative is to encourage a trans-disciplinary, integrative approach to health research through training a new generation of researchers, who are capable of combining various approaches in devising innovative solutions for the research and treatment of complex medical problems

An academic qualification and a good command of English are requirements to participate in this training program. Upon successful completion of the program, full attendance of all lectures and adequate credits in the exams conducted, students will receive a certificate from the TPRM

NCRM and TPRM Partnership
This program had its commencement in 2008 when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dr. Samuel JK Abraham, (Director, NCRM) and Prof. Gary Levy (Director, University of Toronto Transplant Institute). The NCRM and TPRM partnered and collaborated to offer comprehensive training at an international level

CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine
The CIHR Training Program in Regenerative Medicine (TPRM) is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded strategic training program that was established in 2001. The vision of the TPRM is to develop and implement an educational curriculum that focuses on interdisciplinary team-based training and provides opportunities for research trainees (at all levels of training - from undergraduate to postdoctoral fellows) and faculty from various allied fields of Medicine. The TPRM will produce the next generation of scientists and highly qualified personnel to meet the needs of Canada and the international community’s healthcare and industry sectors.  It will instil in trainees an interdisciplinary and team-based approach to the understanding and treatment of organ failure; and will develop and offer an innovative curriculum to support the development of well-rounded health researchers and personnel

NCRM is an Indo-Japanese joint venture institute and the first of this kind in India.  As a selected partner to the TPRM, the NCRM has strong academic & research credentials, especially with the start of a PhD program in Regenerative Medicine at the Acharya Nagarjuna University. Of the three enrolment batches up to this date, each has had 10 scholars, 5 basic scientists and 5 clinicians.  Upon completion of the program, all of these scholars, scientists and clinicians have begun several research projects. If interested in joining, please send your CV to:  ncrm@nichimail.jp

Related news in the media: Pharma Biz