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Dr Mason, Group Leader
 of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº's Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Bioprocessing Unit, shares this year's Outstanding Contribution to London Biotechnology Award with Dr Stephen Minger of King's College London, with whom he founded the London Regenerative Medicine Network (LRMN) last year. An independent grass-roots organisation, the network aims to help accelerate the progression of world-class stem cell and tissue engineering research taking place in the UK, and its translation into everyday routine clinical practice.

"The London Regenerative Medicine Network has proved wildly popular," enthused Dr Mason. "Our monthly meetings regularly attract 250-300 delegates, including academic researchers, the regulatory community and pharmaceutical companies. It is particularly gratifying to receive this award, as it is the first time a non-commercial organisation has been recognised."

Since its inception a year ago, the LRMN has become the largest network of its kind in the UK, with 2000 members. Around 30 international experts in the field have presented to a total of 2500 delegates at the LRMN's monthly meetings, and the network has helped launch 'Regenerative Medicine', a new bimonthly scientific journal published by Future Medicine Ltd. On the back of this success, Glaxo Smith Kline has renewed its sponsorship of the network, which will support activities for a further 18 months.

Dr Tony Jones, Director of Biotechnology & Healthcare at London First, the awarding body, said: "We were very pleased to help launch and provide initial support for the London Regenerative Medicine Network in June 2005. The award recognises how LRMN and the efforts of Stephen and Chris as individuals and ambassadors in the field have raised the visibility of the central role London plays in the stem cell and regenerative medicine arena."

Image: Dr Chris Mason (centre) with Dr Stephen Minger (right) receiving the award from Dr Tony Jones (left)

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