About this tour
This week-long Study Tour is designed to give you the opportunity to delve into the some of the topics covered in class and to see what research in the the field of regenerative medicine looks like firsthand. On our tour, you will learn how research can translate into clinical practice when cell and cell-free therapies are the focus.
Italy has made huge progress in the field of regenerative medicine, especially in the sphere of stem cell therapy, where patient safety and ethical research practices are prioritized. Milan and Modena are both cities where this type of research is done and innovative techniques are being researched. As an example, the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan became one of the most prominent European research hospitals, fostering innovative therapies in this area. In Modena, the Centre for Regenerative Medicine ”Stefano Ferrari” (CMR) of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is focused on basic and translational research aimed at clinical application in cell and gene therapy.
Visiting these (or other) research institutes and hospitals will strengthen and broaden your knowledge of the regenerative medicine field, at a time where innovative approaches are at its maximum. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions to further develop your understanding of how classroom theories translate into a professional context.
Learning outcomes
- Learn about the newest and upcoming biotechnology-based methods withing regenerative medicine
- Hear about the ethical, regulatory, and safety implications of developing regenerative therapies.
- Gain insight into the translational process from laboratory research to clinical practice in regenerative medicine.
Possible activities
- Explore the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), a world leader in gene and cell therapies for rare genetic diseases and cancer, with a strong translational focus from molecular research to clinical trials and on-site GMP manufacturing.
- Discover the RE.GA.IN Center at Ospedale Galeazzi – Sant’Ambrogio, a center of excellence for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine using PRP, MSCs, and other cutting-edge cell-free therapies.
- Visit the Centre for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari” (CMR) at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, one of the largest centers in the world dedicated to epithelial stem cell cultures and regenerative protocols, and home to a state-of-the-art GMP facility producing ATMPs such as Holoclar, the first stem cell-based medicinal product approved in Europe.