Cluster focus

This cluster brings the basic science of stem cell biology to applications in the emerging field of regenerative medicine. The cluster has focused on roadblocks in translating the power of stem cell biology to clinical medicine, and thus enabling revolutionary new treatments for a broad spectrum of degenerative diseases of the heart, nervous system, pancreas and more. For example, expertise and cross-disciplinary interactions are aimed at creating biomaterials and matrixes that facilitate tissue engineering to address specific pathologies. In addition to understanding the biology of stem cells, this interdisciplinary approach facilitates the development of students and researchers who understand the policy environment and implications related to stem cell research. Research interests in regenerative medicine include analysis of emerging regulatory pathways for novel biological and combination products, concepts of risk and the nature of evidence used to evaluate unproven technologies. These researchers will then be prepared to deal with the realities of how politics and stem cell research intersect.

Cluster accomplishments

  • Regenerative Medicine Cluster faculty have been instrumental in the first National Institute of Health-funded interdisciplinary stem cell training program for postdoctoral students. This powerful approach to training future stem cell researchers brings together postdoctoral and graduate students from varying backgrounds – mechanical engineering to medical anthropology – and educates them on stem cell biology, stem cell engineering and stem cell policy issues in cross-disciplinary laboratory settings.
  • The Regenerative Medicine Cluster faculty, using a cluster enhancement grant, launched a program for Interdisciplinary Fellowships and Workshops in Bioengineering, Policy and Stem Cell Biology. These competitive fellowships allow graduate student trainees in cell bioengineering, policy and stem cell biology to receive cross-training for 10 weeks in a discipline other than their own. The experience is capped by a workshop series in which the trainees highlight their particular areas of expertise to foster interdisciplinary interactions.
  • Faculty of the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Cluster have been active participants in the Wisconsin Stem Cell Research Program, which brings together more than 30 faculty with major stem cell research programs from various schools and colleges. In addition, faculty participate in the UW-Madison Regenerative Medicine Program, which is designed to facilitate the translation of stem cell biology to clinical treatments.
  • Cluster faculty have developed new courses, such as “Regenerative Medicine: Ethics and Society,” “Biomedical Engineering Design, Stem Cell Bioengineering,” “Human Experimentation” and “Neuroethics and Enhancement Technologies.”

Cluster structure

The cluster faculty have helped to create new interdisciplinary programs and serve as key participants for the programs, which include the Wisconsin Stem Cell Research Program and the UW-Madison Regenerative Medicine Program. Meetings and seminars organized by these programs facilitate the regular interactions of cluster faculty, as well as interactions with stem cell faculty and researchers across campus.

Cluster coordinator, faculty and lead dean

Cluster Coordinator

  • Timothy Kamp, Associate Professor, Medicine and Physiology

Cluster Faculty

  • Linda Hogle, Associate Professor, Medical History and Bioethics and Director
  • William Murphy, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Lead Dean