CiRA would like to express heartfelt sympathy to the people in the Eastern Japan regions affected by the large earthquake and tsunami on March 11 and offer our deepest condolence to those who lost loved ones in the disaster. Our thoughts are with those people.

Considering the current social situation due to the disaster, we have regrettably decided to cancell the International symposium for general public on April 2.

We would greatly appreciate your understanding.

CiRA will hold an international symposium for the general public to provide an opportunity to learn more about cell reprogramming studies, including iPS cells.

The symposium consists of two sessions, a lecture session and a Q&A session. In the lecture session, three noted scientists renowned developmental biologist professor John Gurdon (University of Cambridge), professor Ian Wilmut, the leader of the team that cloned Dolly the sheep (University of Edinburgh, UK) and CiRA director Shinya Yamanaka, the first scientist who generated iPS cells will talk about their works and experiences as scientists. In the Q&A session, speakers will answer the questions from the audience.

This symposium is financially supported by FIRST program (Funding program for the World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology) created by the Japanese Cabinet Office.