UW creates stem cell research center

MADISON, Wis., May 18 (UPI) -- The University of Wisconsin-Madison is establishing a new Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center.

The announcement was made Thursday at lecture by Ian Wilmut, creator of the cloned sheep Dolly, the university said in a news release.

"What we hope to do is provide a bridge for all researchers on campus involved in stem cell research," said Clive Svendsen, a UW-Madison neuroscientist and a noted stem cell authority.

The new center will be co-directed by Svendsen and cardiologist and stem cell researcher Timothy Kamp under the joint auspices of the UW-Madison Graduate School and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

Kamp and Svendsen estimate as many as 50 UW-Madison faculty are engaged to varying degrees in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.