Dr. Polani Seshagiri, professor at Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore received Second annual Padma Shri Dr. C M Habibullah Memorial Award at ninth Annual STEM 2013 conference organized by Society for Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering (SRMTE), a Non-Profit Registered Society at Bangalore recently.

Dr Seshagiri's group at IISc is interested in studying early mammalian development with regard to the acquisition of fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and development of embryos through peri-implantation stages with particular reference to the phenomenon of blastocyst hatching. Besides, the team is interested in studying cell lineage specification by using ES-cells as model system. These studies contribute to the knowledge on the basic biology of early mammalian development, cellular differentiation and have implications in animal embryo biotechnology and in the management of human infertility and health.

STEM 2013 conference focused on the latest trends in Stem cell research and application, Cell based Therapy, Trials involving Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, had participation of scientists from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Ireland, France, Korea, Germany, Switzerland and US. These scientists are known internationally for their cutting edge work in the field of stem cell research. Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Chairman, HCG-Healthcare Global, Bangalore, inaugurated the conference, while Dr. B R Jagashetty, Drug Controller, Karnataka State was the Guest of Honor.

In addition to scientists and speakers, experts from academia, industry and regulatory bodies were also present. Leading pharma and healthcare companies, scientists, hospitals, research Institutes and other ecosystem players like, investment, private equity and venture capital firms, patent and IP firms, were also present.

India is emerging as a potential player for developing stem cell therapy and is currently in the list of top ten countries that are heavily engaged in stem cell research. Enormous opportunities for basic scientific research beckon scientists and the government is also keen on helping researchers in this endeavor. STEM 2013 provides a platform to all those interested in learning the intricacies of stem cellsto come together at this conference and share their knowledge and experience in this subject.