MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: Oregon Health & Science University's annual Brain Awareness Season is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss stem cell research. The public is invited to attend and take part in the conversation as scientists, disease advocacy groups, patients and other Portland citizens talk about the many possible benefits of, and ethics surrounding, stem cell research.

WHO: The event will feature two main speakers: Ron McKay, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a component of the National Institutes of Health, which is the main federal agency that funds medical research in the country; and Markus Grompe, M.D., head of the OHSU Oregon Stem Cell Center and a professor of molecular and medical genetics in the OHSU School of Medicine. David Heil, a science educator and former host of the PBS series "Newton's Apple," will emcee the program.

WHEN: Saturday, January 22, 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: OHSU Auditorium, Marquam Hill Campus

DETAILS: Many scientists consider stem cells to be one of the most promising areas of medical study. However, as we witnessed during the recent election season, certain kinds of stem cell research are controversial and heavily debated. The town hall meeting will allow Oregonians to learn about state-of-the-art stem cell research and take part in the ongoing ethical debate concerning these studies.

NOTE: The event is free, however, registration is required to attend. To register, visit www.oregonbrains.org or call 503 418-2515.

VISIT: www.OREGONBRAINS.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION