The Biomaterials-Cell/Organ Therapies Special Interest Group promotes research on biological substitutes that enhance, maintain, or restore the functions of tissues and organs. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of materials on cell and tissue function. General research areas of interest encompass cell and tissue engineering, cell encapsulation, artificial organs, blood substitutes and gene therapy. Specific examples of interest to this group include: extracellular matrix mimics, bioactive and hybrid materials, material-induced cell phenomena, particularly cell responses resulting from cell surface receptor activation and signaling. This SIG provides a forum to discuss recent advances in science and engineering of tissues and artificial organs that consist of cells and next-generation materials. This group organizes workshops, symposia, podium/poster sessions, tutorials and short courses focused on this topic.

Chair: Krishnendu Roy, PhD
University of Texas at Austin
Dept of Biomedical Engineering
ENS 610 C0800
One University Station
Austin, TX  78712
t:  (512) 232-3477
e:  kroy@mail.utexas.edu

Vice-Chair: Eben Alsberg, PhD
Case Western Reserve University
Dept Of Biomedical Engineering
10900 Euclid Ave
Wickenden Room 204
Cleveland, OH  44106
t: (216) 368-6425
f: (216)368-4969
e: Eben.alsberg@case.edu

Secretary/Treasurer: Hyun Joon Kong, PhD
University of Illinois
108 RAL University of Illinois
Urbana, IL  61801
t: (217) 333-1178
e: hjkong06@uiuc.edu

Program Chair: Jon Rowley, PhD
Aastrom Biosciences
Matrix Biology
PO Box 376
Ann Arbor, MI  48106
t: (734) 930-5555
f: (734) 665-0485
e: jrowley@aastrom.com