Two research centers – one shared vision in regenerative medicine

On August 26, 2026, the Biomedical Research and Application Center (BMRAC) of Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) held its first professional working session with the Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CJCRM), Bond University (Australia), focusing on research directions in stem cells and regenerative medicine.
 

This activity builds on the foundation of cooperation between PCTU and Bond University following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2025, under which the two universities seek to promote scientific research, academic exchange, and collaboration among research groups in medicine and health sciences.

Representing CJCRM in the program were:

1. A/Prof. Nigel Barnett – Director of the Centre, and

2. Dr. Danivia Beaver – Postdoctoral Researcher and Adjunct Lecturer at the Centre.

CJCRM is a research centre at Bond University with strengths in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and retinal regeneration research. One of the Centre's prominent research directions is the development of protocols for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into retinal cells, with the goal of advancing research with potential applications in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.

As part of the working program, the two sides shared and discussed research findings through thematic presentations. Specifically:

From BMRAC, the Stem Cell Research Group presented the topic “GMP-Compliant Stem Cell Manufacturing and Regenerative Medicine,” focusing on requirements for process standardization, quality control, stability, and biosafety of cell sources for translational research.

CJCRM presented a topic on “Retinal Stem Cell Research,” focusing on the differentiation of stem cells into specialized retinal cell lines and methods for evaluating cell characteristics and quality.

The two research groups then engaged in in-depth discussions on culture conditions, the reproducibility of differentiation protocols, cell quality assessment criteria, and the potential for process standardization in accordance with GMP manufacturing requirements.

Through the discussions, the two centres identified areas of potential complementarity between CJCRM's expertise in retinal cell differentiation research and BMRAC's focus on developing GMP-compliant stem cell manufacturing. This provides a foundation for the two sides to further explore in-depth collaboration in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Concluding the first day of work, the two Centres continued with the program on August 27, 2026, focusing on discussing areas with potential for developing specific collaborations in training and technology transfer; developing joint research projects, accessing international funding opportunities, and producing joint scientific publications. At the same time, the two sides continued to further concretize areas of cooperation, gradually deepening the relationship between PCTU and Bond University at the level of research groups and specialized scientific programs.

Images from the working session: