The first seven days: from gametes to blastocyst and stem cell

April 26-28, 2006 Tampa, Florida

• 3 Days, 22 Speakers, ~ 200 learners, 36% of learners from outside the continental U.S., 8 commercial exhibitors, 24 Posters presented, 4 Prizes awarded for best research based on merit.
• Learner type: 54% Clinicians, 32% Research Scientists, 2% Educators, 12% Other
• Credit type: ACCME, ABB
• Session topics focused on early human development – from the formation of gametes to the genesis of embryonic stem cells. Basic and clinical experts in embryology and stem cell biology presented their work and discussed the challenges of translating scientific knowledge into practical applications in medicine.
• 99% of learners reported that they would recommend this program to a colleague.
• 95% of learners reported that the content was free from commercial bias.
• Objectives of the course were to:
• Appreciate the role of cell signaling in fertilization and embryogenesis.
• Grasp the potential of new laboratory techniques.
• Understand the impact of epigenetics on development competence of embryos and embryonic stem cells.
• Realize the potential applications of stem cell technology for reproductive and regenerative medicine.
• Georgeanna Seegar Jones Young Investigator Prize awarded to Grand Prize Poster titled: “Ras-MAPKinase signaling redirects ESC differentiation towards trophoblast fate”
• Human Embryonic Stem Cell and Nuclear Transfer Laboratory Workshop was offered.
• Selected learner comments included:

“Excellent overview of current concepts of signaling during embryogenesis from leaders in the field.”

“Many novel approaches to some very difficult questions.”

“Great program.”

“Wide range of topics - excellent speakers - up to date.”

“A good interface between clinician and basic researcher.”

“Small meetings, with excellent speakers allow time to interact with colleagues and speakers.”

• Selected comments about the speakers included:

“Excellent, clear - relevant - good science.”

“Very interesting work - with possibility of good clinical impact.”

“Enthusiastic and effective presentation of elegant work.”

“Brilliant teacher - very clear - great information.”

“Perfect explanation of the topic.”

“Great talk and excellent sense of humor too (That's important).”

“Beautiful slides and video - great speaker.”

“Wonderful overview of this exciting area.”

Disclosure of Faculty Relationships

BioSymposia, Inc. (formerly Serono Symposia International, Inc.), adheres to guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCCCA), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and all other professional organizations as applicable, stating that programs where continuing education credits are awarded must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous.

As uses for pharmaceutical agents, medical devices, and other products may be presented in the program that are not necessarily the same as those indicated in approved product labeling (but which may reflect clinical experience, professional literature, other clinical sources known to the presenter, or investigational uses of products), we ask the presenter to provide participants with information about relationships with pharmaceutical or medical equipment companies that may have relevance to their lectures. This policy is not intended to exclude faculty who have relationships with such companies; it is simply intended to inform participants of any potential conflicts so that participants may form their own judgments based on full disclosure of the facts. Further, these opinions and recommendations presented during the program or materials related to the program do not imply an endorsement or recommendation on the part of BioSymposia, Inc. These presentations solely represent the independent views of the presenters/authors.

The following faculty provided information regarding significant commercial relationships and/or discussions of investigational or non-FDA approved (off-label) uses of drugs:

George Q. Daley, M.D., Ph.D. discloses that he is a consultant and board member of Viacell.

Andrew P. Feinberg, M.D., M.P.H. discloses that he is a consultant for Epigenetics A.G. and the recipient of grants and research support from the NIH, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and the March of Dimes.

Henry J. Leese, Ph.D. discloses that he is a scientific advisor and shareholder in Novocellus LTD.

Gary D. Smith, Ph.D. discloses that he is co-founder of Incept BioSystems.

The following faculty indicated no significant relationship with commercial supporters and/or discussion of investigational or non-FDA approved (off-label) uses of drugs:

Ali H. Brivanlou, Ph.D., Scott A. Coonrod, Ph.D., Joseph Itskovitz-Eldor, M.D., D.Sc., John Eppig, Ph.D., Renato Fanchin, M.D., Ph.D., Marc Goldstein, M.D., Roger G. Gosden, Ph.D., D.Sc, Norman B. Hecht, Ph.D., Rudolf Jaenisch, M.D., Renee Martin, Ph.D., John J. McGrath, Ph.D., Kutluk Oktay, M.D., David C. Page, M.D., Pasquale Patrizio, M.D., M.Be., Shahin Rafii, M.D., Zev Rosenwaks, M.D., Gerald P. Schatten, Ph.D., Stefan Schlatt, Ph.D., Peter N. Schlegel, M.D., Richard M. Schultz, Ph.D., Marc-Andre Sirard, D.V.M., Ph.D., Jacquetta Trasler, M.D, Ph.D., Lucinda Veeck Gosden, D.Sc. Dorothy Warburton, Ph.D., and Kangpu Xu, Ph.D.

Commercial Support and Other Disclosures

BioSymposia, Inc. (formerly Serono Symposia International, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All of our programs are organized solely to promote the exchange and dissemination of scientific and medical information. No forms of promotional activities are permitted. There may be presentations discussing investigational uses of various products. These views are the responsibility of the named speakers, and do not represent an endorsement or recommendation on the part of BioSymposia, Inc.

This program was supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Serono, Inc. BioSymposia, Inc. personnel are employees of Serono, Inc. and BioSymposia, Inc. also receives other in-kind support from Serono, Inc. in the form of space and administrative services.