Wales’s Tissue Engineering Institute celebrates 10 successful years

Cardiff University's internationally recognised Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER) today celebrates its 10^th anniversary.

The half day event will be held in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and will be punctuated by a series of guest speakers highlighting the Institute's achievements to date. In attendance will be luminaries of science, government advisers and higher education representatives from universities across the UK - including the University of Bath's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Kevin Edge.

Throughout the past decade, CITER has developed a national and international profile for its expertise in basic, translational and clinical research in the field of tissue repair, regeneration and rehabilitation. Speaking of CITER's track record for research excellence, Chair of CITER, Professor Phil Stephens, said:

"Over the last 10 years the cross-disciplinary nature of CITER has brought clinicians and non-clinicians together to drive innovative research that is already making a difference to patients, the Welsh economy and beyond. From basic research into novel methods for tracking and controlling stem cells within patients to more clinically-driven research into arthritis within our increasingly aged population, CITER is committed to developing Cardiff University's ground-breaking research and engaging with the public to share these new and exciting findings."

Through it workshops and public enhancement events the Institute has covered some of the most contemporary topics of the day ranging from the pros and cons of plastic surgery to the production of artificial meat (in vitroburgers) in the laboratory.

Another flagship accomplishment of the Institute is its MSc in Tissue Engineering, now into its seventh year, having already seen numerous students successfully complete the course and go on to become the next generation of regenerative medicine scientists.

The institute has established an interdisciplinary network, linking around 130 academic staff from 11 schools across the University.