Introduction of the Stem Cell and Translational Engineering Society

The Stem Cell and Translational Engineering Society (SCATES) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between research on stem cell based medical treatments and their integration within regulatory and engineering frameworks for practical clinical applications. 

Stem cell therapies are medical treatments that use stem cells—whether unmodified, genetically engineered, synthetic, combined with biomaterials or used to create extracellular  therapeutics—to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues, restore bodily functions, or influence disease processes. 

By fostering collaboration among scientists, clinicians, policymakers, industry and the public, SCATES aims to create an environment to discuss the development of safe, functional, and innovative stem cell therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.  

SCATES emerged from collaborations at the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), Australia’s first hospital-based multi-institute biomedical engineering research centre, located in the heart of Melbourne’s healthcare precinct.   

SCATES inaugural leadership team brings a wealth of interdisciplinary experience from a dedicated team of scientists advancing both the biology and engineering aspects of stem cell therapies: 

• President: A/Prof Serena Duchi​, stem cells for bone and cartilage diseases treatment. 

• Vice-President: Dr. Kate Firipis​, stem cell therapies for reconstructive surgery. 

• Secretary: Dr. Lilith Caballero Aguilar​, stem cells and therapeutic-functionalised biomaterials. 

• Senior Executive Member: A/Prof Anita Quigley, expert in stem cells for nerve and muscle repair​. 

• Treasurer: Dr. Carmine Onofrillo​, expert in stem cells for cartilage repair. 

• Scientific Officer: Dr. Stephanie Doyle​, use of stem cells in biofabrication techniques. 

At the heart of SCATES’s mission is not only addressing the scientific and bioengineering challenges of the stem cell therapy’s development, but also ensuring that these efforts lead to real, functional outcomes with clear benefits for patients. Perspectives from researchers, clinicians, regulators, industry and patients with lived experience are all valued. SCATES believes that through collaboration, we can advance and improve the future of stem cell therapies in Australia and New Zealand. 

Our approach 

This field presents a complex set of challenges to overcome to bring laboratory findings to the bedside. SCATES will address these through dedicated initiatives and expert engagement, starting with a commentary series to spark deeper discussion around the following themes: 

• Public Health Engagement and Education: Strategies for engaging the public in scientific literacy and shaping the future of regenerative medicine. 

• The Rise of Stem Cell Therapies: Exploring clinical advancements and future directions in the field. 

• Regulatory Pathways: A comparative look at fast-track approval processes and opportunities for policy reform. 

• Equipment and Facilities: Highlighting the infrastructure both available and required to support cutting-edge translational engineering. 

• Spotlight on Success Stories: Real-world examples of how stem cell and tissue engineering research is improving patient care. 

SCATES emphasises a translational engineering approach, ensuring that bioengineered tissues and stem cell technologies are effectively transformed into clinical interventions by promoting collaborative networks, information sharing and discussion by releasing reports, white papers and  facilitating workshops, symposium and partnerships.  

• Collaborative Networks and Information Sharing: By fostering partnerships among researchers, clinicians, patients, regulators and industry stakeholders, SCATES aims to accelerate the co-development of stem cell therapies for clinical use. 

• Researchers: Connecting research groups who have cutting edge innovations and technologies to support networks to ensure promising treatments are not lost to the ‘valley of death’ – known as the years between basic discovery and translation where funding and resources are historically scarce.  

• Clinicians and Clinical Trials: Connecting clinical teams who understand current practice, clinical trial design and monitoring ensures innovations are designed and tested for practicality, efficacy and safety.  

• Patient Groups: Connecting patient advocacy groups to the development and assessment of tissue-engineered therapies ensures that innovations are relevant and responsive to clinical needs. Sharing information on therapies and clinical trials in development with individuals with limited treatment options.  

• Regulators: Engaging regulatory bodies throughout the design and development of stem cell therapies is essential for ensuring innovations are aligned or accommodated within expected standards, costing and outcomes.  

• Industry: Connecting industry bodies allows planning for intellectual property transactions, facilities, equipment, services, treatment distribution, manufacturing and quality control.  

How can I get involved?  

We are actively growing our community, please reach out to info@scates.org.au to join our mission to improve stem cell therapy access and translation in Australia and New Zealand.