Cancer biology, stem cell biology, cancer stem cells.

To understand the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, the basic biology of stem cells, their possible role in cancer and the application of this knowledge for the development of new cancer therapies.

We now have a good appreciation of how stem cells grow, divide and differentiate into a wide variety of cell types. This offers two exciting opportunities: (i) it allows us to investigate the idea that solid tumors originate from ‘rogue’ stem cells; (ii) sets the scene where human stem cells can be used for a wide variety of cell therapy applications directed towards the curing of degenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.

Firstly, the environment in Georgia is very supportive towards R&D and the future landscape for cancer research in the State is very bright. Georgia also offers vast opportunity for academic researchers to interact with the biotechnology sector.