They call themselves the Wisconsin Edge and their focus is keeping Wisconsin on the forefront of stem cell science.

Today the coalition that promotes stem cell research made a presentation to the rotary club of Wausau as part of an outreach effort.

They highlighted the importance of human embryonic stem cell research and what challenges Wisconsin will face to remain the international leader in the field.

"It's a function of good research. We certainly have that,” said Jim Haney, president of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. “It's a function of money and that's a problem because we don't invest a whole lot in this so far."

Haney says keeping stem cell research in Wisconsin could be hugely beneficial to the state’s economy, but adds funding is desperately needed before that can happen.

Wisconsin is among the world's leaders in human embryonic stem cell science, the president of the Wisconsin Technology Council told a Fond du Lac group Thursday.

Wisconsin scientists have succeeded in coaxing human embryonic stem cells to become heart, blood, pancreatic and central nervous system cells and they are using stem cells to screen pharmaceutical products and develop treatments for a variety of diseases, Tom Still told the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club.

But Wisconsin's international leadership in the field can't be taken for granted. And if Wisconsin is to realize the economic development potential of stem cells, civic leaders and members of the general public must address the potential challenges, Still said in a press release about the event.

"We have an edge now and the market potential for human embryonic stem cell research is tremendous," Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council and a representative of Wisconsin Edge, said. "If we can maintain our leadership, in the next 10 years we can expect to see at least 10,000 additional jobs in our state directly related to stem cell research and therapeutic applications."

Currently, there are 70 companies worldwide that are in the process of moving their stem cell discoveries to market. Wisconsin is home to five of those companies, Still said.

However, Still and other Wisconsin Edge leaders said action is needed on a number of fronts to preserve the state's strategic advantage. The road to technology transfer that helps stem cell research move from academic laboratories through the patent process and into the marketplace is long and challenging. Successful technology transfer depends on support from policy makers, the legal system and public and private funding sources.

Other states and other countries are now outpacing Wisconsin's efforts to support human embryonic stem cell research. For example, over the past four years, the U.S. federal government has invested $122 million in research on federally approved human embryonic stem cell lines. By comparison, in the United Kingdom, Parliament has endorsed spending up to $1.3 billion over the next decade and more than $198 million has been invested so far. In South Korea, public and private sources have committed $5 billion to stem cell research.

At the state level, California already has invested $100 million of an approved $3 billion in state-backed borrowing to support stem cell research while Connecticut has approved spending $100 million over 10 years. In Wisconsin, there is $5 million available to attract stem cell companies, but no money designated to fund research.

"Clearly, U.S. federal support for human embryonic stem cell research is modest in comparison to other nations, and not likely to improve soon," said Still. "This means we must seek out opportunities for private sector financing to help narrow the gap and do whatever we can to encourage public support at the state level."

Tom Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council and representative of Wisconsin Edge, a group committed to Wisconsin economic development and advancing the state's leadership in stem cell research.

Business and community leaders are invited to attend presentations and discussions on stem-cell research at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Business Assistance Center, 2701 Larsen Road.

The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Small Business Development Center, along with Advance—part of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce—will host the event. Representatives from Wisconsin Edge, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and WiSys are expected to attend.

The session will include a discussion about regional opportunities in conjunction with scientific research and discovery. Wisconsin Edge will discuss its stem cell research, while WARF and WiSys representatives will discuss how to identify innovation and bring it to the marketplace.

The event is free, but registration is required. To register, or for information, contact Barb Fleisner at (920) 496-2113 or by e-mail at bfleisner@titletown.org, or Cindy Gokey by e-mail at cgokey@titletown.org.

MADISON – Wisconsin may be the leader in the human embryonic stem cell field now, but that could change if support for scientific research flags, two officials with close ties to UW-Madison said Thursday.

Mark Bugher, head of the University Research Park, urged business leaders to lobby legislators to push for support for stem cell studies at an economic development breakfast sponsored by the UW-Extension’s Small Business Development Center.

Andy Cohn, government relations manager for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), said the overall university also needs backing from commerce because it is in danger of losing top scientists and graduate students to other states.

The payoff for Wisconsin, they said, could be 10,000 new jobs and $1 billion in stem cell-related businesses during the coming decade.

Michael Mathews, a senior vice president with Ruedebusch Development and Construction in Madison, said he believes opportunities will grow for his firm and others because of Wisconsin’s research prowess.

“We are already dealing with biotech and life science companies, but the state must continue to make investments,” said Mathews, whose firm built the New Venture Center in the Fitchburg Technology Campus.

Madison, Wis. – A kind of traveling road show is making its way around Wisconsin to educate people about one of the most controversial areas of scientific research - embryonic stem cell research - and its presenters believe even the skeptics are walking away a little less skeptical.

The presentations by Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, and Sue Carlson, director of operations for the WiCell Research Institute, are being made on behalf of the Wisconsin Edge, an informal confederation of businesses, economic development organizations, and patient advocacy and healthcare groups.

The confederation is a big believer in the potential scientific and economic benefits of stem cell research.

Thus far, Still and Carlson have spoken to 15 organizations, and plan to address 30 more in sessions that have yet to be scheduled. Still believes the audiences have come away with a better understanding of stem cell research, embryonic and adult, but the public education campaign is tempered with a sense of realism.

“We make sure it's a message of hope, not hype,” Still said. “We have to be sure to say that it's going to take time for some of those benefits to arrive. They don't need to think that stem cell research will lead to organ regeneration tomorrow.”

The pitch

In particular, those who attend are educated with a power point presentation about the potential scientific and economic benefits of research with embryonic stem cells, which can become any of the 220 tissue types in the human body.

Carlson cites the potential of embryonic stem cells to provide research tools for drug discovery, to expand knowledge of disease processes, and to broaden understanding of birth defects like Down Syndrome. More ambitious avenues of scientific research would come later.

“Things like transplantation therapies are way down the road because we have to understand this other stuff first,” she said.

While the research is still in its infancy, Still said the sale of stem cell products worldwide reached $16.4 million in 2006, it's expected to more than double to $35 million in 2007, and then experience 50 percent annual growth rates in subsequent years.

Wisconsin will benefit, Still said, because it holds stem cell patents, it will derive licensing income from those patents, and a number of stem cell companies will set up here. (The stem cell patents, held by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, are being challenged before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Still notes that stem cell research has brought millions of dollars in private and federal grants to Wisconsin, creating jobs and launching high-tech companies.

Misinformation

The complexity of stem cell research makes it difficult to explain in a television or radio sound bite, and some people come to the sessions with misinformation. Still said the biggest misconception is that stem cells are derived from embryos that are the result of abortions, which is never the case.

Wisconsin scientists have already succeeded in coaxing human embryonic stem cells to become heart, blood, pancreatic and central nervous system cells.

This research has attracted millions of dollars in federal grant money and has resulted in the launch of several high-tech companies in the state.

The unique potential of human embryonic stem cells to improve public health and support development of a new industry in Wisconsin were addressed Monday in a Wisconsin Edge presentation by Andy Cohn of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

Wisconsin Edge is an informal confederation of businesses, economic development organizations, patient advocacy and health care groups committed to Wisconsin’s economic development efforts and advancing the state’s leadership in stem cell research. Supporters of Wisconsin Edge believe the potential for stem cell therapies to eliminate the misery of chronic medical conditions and to stimulate job creation will benefit everyone.

“It’s important for people in Wisconsin to understand the potential economic benefits of stem cell research in conjunction with the potential of human embryonic stem cells to treat a variety of medical conditions,” Cohn said. “The goal of these presentations is to help people understand what human embryonic stem cells are and the potential of the science to provide powerful tools for drug discovery and increase our knowledge of disease processes so scientists can develop better therapies for, or even prevent, specific health problems in the future.”

Cohn’s presentation was hosted by the Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Club.

“Human embryonic stem cell research is already supporting economic development and job creation in Wisconsin,” said Cohn. “But more important from the standpoint of human health is the benefit human embryonic stem cells are showing with regards to developing better treatments for conditions such as diabetes, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries and more.”

Cohn said the taxpayers of Wisconsin deserve thanks for ongoing support of UW System campuses and the work of researchers such as UW–Madison professor James Thomson, who first isolated human embryonic stem cells in 1998. Today, UW–Madison continues to be a leader in the science of human embryonic stem cells.

UW–Madison research has led to technologies that are being used by a growing number of companies worldwide. Companies interested in developing stem cell products and academic scientists involved in the study of stem cells work with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and WiCell Research Institute to obtain cell cultures and research agreements.

WiCell has distributed human embryonic stem cells to more than 350 academic researchers worldwide since 2002. The National Stem Cell Bank was established at WiCell in 2005 to support ongoing distribution of all human embryonic stem cell lines that can be used in federally funded research, as well as to do comparative studies of the cell lines, develop high-quality banks of cells for distribution that have been tested for genetic normality and animal diseases, and provide responsive technical support to the scientists using the cells.

Wisconsin Edge is dedicated to leading the way to greater understanding of the therapeutic and economic development potential of stem cell research. To this end, speakers from organizations such as Wisconsin Technology Council, WARF and WiCell Research Institute will deliver lectures and presentations across the state in coming months.

The Wisconsin Technology Council and the WiCell Research Institute have partnered to bring research professionals, scientists and business leaders in touch with Wisconsin civic and business organizations through a new public initiative. Called “The Wisconsin Edge,” this initiative is working to engage Wisconsin communities on the topic of human embryonic stem cell research.

Stem cells, especially human embryonic stem cells, remain a hot topic in the news and in conversations throughout the nation. In Wisconsin, the public is working to develop an informed perspective on this much-discussed but little-understood subject.

Many people who have read or heard about stem cell research understand that different perspectives about such research exist. However, fewer people are equipped to accurately answer key questions about such research and the potential it holds – questions such as:

What is the potential for human embryonic stem cell research to improve human health and the human condition?

What are the differences, and similarities, between adult and embryonic stem cell research?

How might stem-cell research breakthroughs help improve our economy in Wisconsin and beyond?

The Wisconsin Edge is addressing these questions and more. Since January 1, 17 presentations have been made to Wisconsin community-based organizations and six more are scheduled or in the planning stages.

Tech Council President Tom Still summarized why The Wisconsin Edge is being welcomed across Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin citizens have already signaled their support for human embryonic stem-cell research through public opinion polls and their votes, but they have also said they want to learn more about the potential economic benefits of stem cell research in conjunction with the potential of human embryonic stem cells to treat a variety of medical conditions,” Still said.

“Wisconsin is home to human embryonic stem cell research. The goal of the presentation is to help people understand what human embryonic stem cells are and the potential of the science to provide powerful tools for drug discovery and increase our knowledge the disease process. This will help scientists develop better therapies for, or even prevent, specific health problems in the future,” he said.

Speakers coordinated through the Tech Council will travel to communities throughout Wisconsin to conduct more than 40 presentations in a nine-month period.

Travis Berggren, a researcher for the WiCell Research Institute and a Wisconsin Edge presenter, has traveled across southeast and south central Wisconsin addressing questions about human embryonic stem cell research in Wisconsin. His engagements have helped him identify what people want to know.

“Knowing and seeing that there is so much misinformation out there about embryonic stem cell research, I find it is important to offer an environment where people can ask questions and get direct answers to some of the basic concepts and facts surrounding stem cell research. People in Wisconsin value face time and information from experts in the field. That’s what we’re offering,” Berggren said.

Citizens such as Bob Harrington of the Oshkosh Noon Kiwanis Club say The Wisconsin Edge presentations are understandable and valuable.

“These are factual, even-handed presentations that provide much-needed information about the potential health benefits of stem-cell research, as well as how this field will improve the Wisconsin economy,” Harrington said.

WiCell, a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, was named the home of the National Stem Cell Bank by the National Institutes of Health. With this honor came the responsibility to maintain and hold patents to the 21 human embryonic stem cell lines available for use in federally funded research projects.

WiCell staff are working with The Wisconsin Edge project to dispel common misconceptions about human embryonic stem cell research. Some lesser-known facts and commonly asked questions about human embryonic stem cell research include the following:

The cells used in human embryonic stem cell research in Wisconsin come from in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics where couples specify the fate of their embryos. Almost all embryos donated to research would be destroyed otherwise.

Though there are more than 400,000 surplus embryos being held by in vitro fertilization clinics, WiCell Research Institute has only used 19 embryos since its inception in the mid-1990s. The cells derived from these 19 embryos have been used for research around the world.

Human embryonic stem cell research is a young field that began in 1998 when Dr. James Thomson, a UW-Madison researcher became the first to successfully isolate and grow human embryonic stem cells in a lab setting.

Human embryonic stem cell research is a global industry. Countries around the world -- such as China, Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom -- are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding.

For more information about Wisconsin Edge or to inquire about a presentation to your group, contact Ryann Petit-Frere at the Wisconsin Technology Council (608) 442-7557 ext. 28.

Stem cell research has already brought millions of dollars in private and federal grants to Wisconsin, resulting in the creation of jobs and the launch of several high-tech companies.

But what exactly are human embryonic stem cells and why do they hold so much promise to improve human health?

These and other questions to be addressed at the Thursday, March 1, WIN-Centergy presentation by Wisconsin Edge representatives: Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council; and Sue Carlson, director of operations of WiCell Research Institute.

The Wisconsin Edge is an informal confederation of businesses, economic development organizations, patient advocacy and health care groups committed to Wisconsin's economic development efforts and advancing the state's leadership in stem cell research. The Wisconsin Edge believes in the potential for stem cell therapies to eliminate the misery of chronic medical conditions and stimulate job creation will benefit everyone.

Wisconsin Edge speakers are currently traveling throughout the state engaging the Wisconsin public on the topic of stem cell research.

"It's important for people in Wisconsin to understand the potential economic benefits of stem cell research in conjunction with the potential of human embryonic stem cells to treat a variety of medical conditions," says Carlson. "The goal of these presentations is to help people understand what human embryonic stem cells are, the potential of the science to provide powerful tools for drug discovery and increase our knowledge of disease processes so scientists can develop better therapies for, or even prevent specific health problems in the future."

The WIN-Centergy meeting and presentation will be held at the Portage County Economic Development Center; 5501 Vern Holmes Dr; Stevens Point. Registration on site begins at 5 p.m. followed by networking, hors d'oeuvres and drinks. The presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by a question and answer session. To register online, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/events/win

WIN is the membership subsidiary of the Wisconsin Technology Council, the science and tech policy advisers to the governor and the Legislature. To join WIN, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call Andrea Johnson at 608-442-7557, ext 27.

WAUSAU – Stem cell research is set to create an economic boom in our state.

Within 10 years, Governor Doyle hopes to have 10 percent of the stem cell market in Wisconsin. That adds up to approximately 1 billion dollars.

Stem cell research already brings 8 million dollars into Wisconsin.

Eventually there's hope part of that money will reach up here into our area.

"There could be therapies that would come into hospitals 20 or 30 years down the road. It could be educational. It could be that we have companies that come to Wausau and collaborate with people in Madison and Milwaukee," says Susan Carlson with WiCell Research Institute.

Monday's talk is a part of the Wisconsin Edge Campaign which shares information about technology across the state. This was just the first of many topics.

A human embryonic stem cell road show developed for civic and business groups around the state debuted this week in Beloit.

The Wisconsin Technology Council put together the show - an effort to enhance public awareness of Wisconsin's stem cell industry - with support from several trade associations and other groups.

Called "Wisconsin Edge," the program is to send researchers and other stem cell industry professionals to meetings of civic groups and other organizations.

"We've really reached the conclusion there's a hunger for information about stem cell research - not only the science, but the potential economic development side," council President Tom Still said.

The council hopes to make about 45 presentations around the state over the next nine months, Still said. It will also target some of the state's other high-tech strengths, perhaps in areas such as biofuels and nanotechnology, and develop similar "Wisconsin Edge" programs for them, he said.

Supporters of the stem cell road show include Madison Gas & Electric Co., the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance and the Wisconsin Realtors Association. Speakers are all affiliated with WiCell Research Institute, a non-profit, wholly owned subsidiary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's patenting and licensing arm.

WiCell, home to the national stem cell bank, was set up to support UW-Madison stem cell scientists, conduct basic embryonic stem cell research and educate the public about the cells' potential.

Opponents of human embryonic stem cell research, many rooted in anti-abortion groups, have said that scientists who use 4- or 5-day-old fertilized eggs to derive embryonic stem cells destroy human life.

But the number of embryos destroyed for research is much lower than the number of unused embryos destroyed by fertility clinics. WiCell has used 19 embryos since its inception in the mid-1990s, said Susan M. Carlson, WiCell director of operations and the speaker for the Beloit event, which attracted 16 Kiwanis Club members at Fourth Street Café.

Many scientists and others involved in the research have said that embryonic stem cells, from which virtually all organs, cells and other body tissue arise, have great potential to cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's.

"These cells have tremendous potential to impact human health and better the human condition," Carlson said.

UW-Madison scientist James Thomson drove Wisconsin's leadership in the field, pioneering the isolation, growth and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells in 1998.

"Wisconsin really controls the patents on this. Even if we just captured 10 percent of the projected $10 billion market, it's a $1 billion market that translates into 10,000 jobs," Still said.

Sally Buchholz, a retired elementary school teacher who attended the Beloit presentation, said she was excited that Wisconsin is part of the effort to use embryonic stem cells to find new cures.

"It was good to find out how big a part we play; I felt very good that they're doing this, that they're going around the state," Buchholz said.

For information about having a "Wisconsin Edge" embryonic stem cell presentation, contact Ryann Petit-Frere at ryannp@wisconsinangelnetwork.com or (608) 442-7557.

An informal confederation of business, research, economic development, technology and health-related groups is partnering to create the "Wisconsin Edge," a coalition to promote Wisconsin's stem-cell industry.

The coalition is partnering with the Wisconsin Technology Council to promote the industry in the state, where stem cells were first discovered at the University of Wisconsin. The collaboration will reach out to Wisconsin communities with speakers and communication materials to promote the industry in the state.

Supporters of the effort include Madison Gas & Electric Co., Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Venture Investors LLC, the Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association, the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance, Wisconsin Investment Partners LLC, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Edge, contact Ryann Petit-Frere at ryannp@wisconsinangelnetwork.com or (608) 442-7557.

When it comes to stem cell research, it's the debate that gets more attention than the actual research itself.

For that reason, Susan Carlson, director of operations at WiCell Research Institute in Madison, is traveling across Wisconsin to give presentations on stem cell research. WiCell is also home to the National Stem Cell Bank.

“It's really a difficult topic to talk about, especially because it's being debated in sound bites,” she said Tuesday during a Kiwanis Club meeting at Fourth Street Café in Beloit.

The main goal of the presentation was to give people the right information about stem cell research.

“I'm not going to tell people what to think, I'm just going to answer questions,” Carlson said.

Understanding stem cell research is important because the search is not only significant scientifically, but it could help the economy, she said.

Out of 70 companies worldwide doing stem cell research, four of those companies are in Madison.

Stem cells, Carlson explained, come from excess embryos from in vitro fertilization. People with excess embryos have the choice of continuing to store them for future use, donating them to another couple trying to have a baby or destroying them. The last choice opens up more choices, one of which is donating the embryos to research, she explained.

WiCell has used 19 embryos since its inception in the mid-1990s. In 2006, six embryos were used.

“Stem cell research offers an unprecedented opportunity to study early development in humans that may some day lead to significant breakthroughs in understanding and treating genetic diseases and birth defects,” Carlson said. “We also believe the research will guide us to better drug treatments, disease management strategies and preventative therapy.”

She explained stem cell research could help in finding treatment for diabetes, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the country and coronary disease, which attributes for 25 percent of deaths.

“The work is about helping and healing people,” she said.

Carlson said a friend with breast cancer was helped because of the research.

To treat an aggressive cancer, doctors can now take some cells from a patient's bone marrow, kill off their immune system, re-inject the patient with the bone marrow cells so that a new immune system could develop.

BELOIT – Stem cell research has already brought millions of dollars in federal grants to Wisconsin, resulting in the creation of jobs and the launch of several high tech companies.

But what exactly are human embryonic stem cells and why do they hold such promise to improve human health?

These and other questions will be addressed at a lecture Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Beloit at the Fourth Street Café, 935 4th St. The lecture will be presented by Susan Carlson, director of operations for WiCell Research Institute in Madison.

WiCell is a non-profit research institute established in 1999 by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) to advance the science of stem cells at the University of Wisconsin and worldwide. WiCell conducts basic research on human embryonic stem cells and in 2005 was awarded a federal contract to house the National Stem Cell Bank. WiCell also provides human embryonic stem cells, research tools and technical training to scientists worldwide while supporting science education programs in public schools.

“It’s important for people in Wisconsin to understand the potential of human embryonic stem cells to treat a variety of conditions as well as test medicines and further our understanding of early human development and genetic diseases,” Carlson said. “The goal of the lecture is to help people understand what human embryonic stem cells are and the potential of the science to improve our understanding of human development, provide powerful tools for drug discovery, and increase our understanding of disease processes so scientists can develop better therapies for, or even prevent, specific health problems in the future.”

Carlson said her lecture in Beloit is part of an effort to help more people understand the potential stem cells hold. The talk is being sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.

“Human embryonic stem cell research is already supporting economic development and job creation in Wisconsin,” said Carlson. “But more important from the standpoint of human health is the benefit human embryonic stem cells are showing with regards to developing better treatments for conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes, neural disorders and more.”

Carlson said the taxpayers of Wisconsin deserve thanks for ongoing support of UW System campuses and the work of researchers such as UW–Madison professor James Thomson, who first isolated human embryonic stem cells in 1998. Today, UW–Madison continues to be a leader in human embryonic stem cell-based research.

WiCell has distributed human embryonic stem cells to more than 350 academic researchers worldwide since 2002. The National Stem Cell Bank was established in 2005 to support ongoing distribution of all human embryonic stem cell lines that can be used in federally funded research, as well as to do comparative studies of the cell lines, develop high-quality banks of cells for distribution that have been tested for genetic normality and animal diseases, and provide responsive technical support to the scientists using the cells. WARF has also entered into agreements with 14 companies to use WiCell’s five cell lines in their research programs. Proceeds from commercial licensing and other funding sources help support the work of more than 100 scientists at UW–Madison and WiCell.

IF YOU GO: A free and open lecture titled The Business of Stem Cells: An Introduction to Stem Cell Research in Wisconsin will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fourth Street Café in Beloit. The informational meeting, featuring Susan Carlson, director of operations for the WiCell Research Institute in Madison, is being sponsored by the Beloit chapter of the Kiwanis organization. For more information, call Rollyn Affeldt at (608) 365-6423.