Date: Monday 11 March 2024
Time: 17:30 - 18:30
Location:
The Curve lecture theatre and online via MS Teams,
View map
About this lecture
Stem Cells: The Good, the Bad and sometimes the Ugly
The immune system is critically important not only for maintaining health, but imbalances and alterations can lead to the development of diseases. This has led to the harnessing of immune cells as a therapeutic tools to help in disease modulation and even to cure. Proof of this has been the continuing success of bone marrow transplants since its introduction more than half a century ago and the recent impressive results with CAR-T cells.
In addition, an expanding knowledge of stem cell biology has resulted in great promise attached to the value of stem cells in curing a diverse range of degenerative diseases. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a plethora of “unproven” stem cell-based therapies which have tested regulatory frameworks and caused harm to patients.
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Mickey B C Koh will discuss his work in the field of bone marrow transplants and cell therapy alongside his recent work with the World Health Organisation, and will also touch on the public and media perception of the “magic” potential of stem cells.
He will also explore how all of this fits into the complex web of healthcare infrastructure including access, affordability and long term care.
Watch a recording of this lecture
The following video has been embedded from a third party site, YouTube. Therefore please ensure that you have accepted cookies in order to view the embed of this video. Alternatively, you can view the recording directly in YouTube.
About Professor Mickey B C Koh
Professor Mickey B C Koh qualified from the National University of Singapore and completed his clinical haematology training in London. Early on in his training, he developed a strong interest in transplants and cell therapy which led to a PhD lecturer position funded by the Leukaemia Research Fund.
Following his haematology training, he worked initially in the UK before returning to Singapore to build up the National Academic Cell Therapy Programme.
Professor Koh returned to London in 2009, to take up a consultant position at St George's Hospital, where he has since remained.
He is currently the Clinical Director for Renal, Oncology and Haematology at St George’s Hospital and Medical School. He is the Clinical Lead of Haematology and belongs to the Infection and Immunity Clinical Academic Group at St George's, University of London.
Alongside this Professor Koh retains a significant portfolio of work in Singapore, as well as sitting on a number of boards and committees for medical and cell therapy organisations.
About our inaugural lecture series
St George's newly arrived or promoted professors are invited to give an Inaugural Lecture to mark this milestone in their academic careers.
Professors use the opportunity to introduce themselves, update colleagues on current and future research plans and share their research with wider audiences. It is also a chance to celebrate the support from friends and family, and from colleagues, mentors and collaborators past and present.
Contact Details
communications@sgul.ac.uk