8th AKU Annual Surgical Conference 

Stem Cells: A New Frontier in Surgery​

Stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells capable of self-renewal that can differentiate into other cell types and tissues. Stem cell research in recent years has produced considerable implications for improving quality of life by providing new therapies for a number of conditions, including bone marrow transplantation, metabolic and autoimmune diseases, as well as certain cancers. The spectacular progress of basic stem cell and regenerative medicine research has led to a number of clinical trials across the world, leading to new prospects within all surgical specialties.

At the 2020 global convocation of Aga Khan University (AKU), the Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan highlighted the role of AKU in building its capacity for cutting-edge research applicable to the distinctive health risks for populations in Asia and Africa. To this aim, the Chancellor had said “It [AKU] will seek to harness the enormous potential of advances in artificial intelligence, genomic medicine and stem cell science to address tomorrow's challenges as well as today's".

The 8th AKU Annual Surgical Conference (8AASC) aims to discuss current research, explore opportunities for new collaborations, and identify the most important needs and priorities for future progress in the implications of stem cell therapies in surgery.

This conference will provide a platform to engage, empower, evolve and explore knowledge among both academicians and industry researchers. Our aim is to gather leading scientists, researchers and academicians around the world to share their knowledge and experiences in all aspects of stem cells in surgery.

Learning objectives:

  • develop and support a highly collaborative environment for the stem cell research, clinical translation and education;
  • cultivate a broad range of interdisciplinary stem cell research (i.e., basic and translational research); and
  • encourage rapid translation of discoveries into innovative and practical clinical applications that will enhance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of multiple human diseases.​

Organised by the AKU Medical College's Department of Surgery in collaboration with Department of Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research (CRM) from February 17-19, 2023, in Aga Khan University Karachi, the conference will bring together national and international experts, providing a platform to exchange robust ideas and learn from each other.

Follow the hashtag #AKUSurgeryConf on social media for news and updates.​

Picture Credit: Dr. Salma Jahan, Assistant Professor, AKU-CRM​