Swimming Against the Current: Challenges on the Way to Scientific Discovery
Swimming Against the Current: Challenges on the Way to Scientific Discovery
Dr Donald G. Stein
10 July 2008
12.00pm - 2.30pm
SMU Admin Building
Singapore
Basic research is rarely a straight path to discovery. It usually takes many twists and turns over the course of a career. In the case of Dr Donald G. Stein, it took almost three decades to bring a simple, safe and effective treatment for traumatic brain injury and possibly other Central Nervous System disorders from the laboratory bench to the patient's bed.
In this lecture, Dr Stein, a Professor in Emergency Medicine and Neurology at Emory University's School of Medicine, discussed the ups and downs, and ins and outs of the investigative process, including the social, political, economic and scientific issues that present themselves along the way. He explained how these challenges provide focus, direction and a sense of purpose, even when the trajectory is frustrating, what is gratifying in a long a career in research and teaching.
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Dr Stein's research challenges earlier scientific beliefs, showing that recovery of brain function and plasticity is possible despite injury.
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The use of progesterone to treat traumatic brain injury is a breakthrough discovery that could lead the way for other medical treatments.
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The trend of pharmaceutical companies buying smaller biotechnology companies instead of investing in R&D could impede drug discovery.
Speaker
Speaker
Dr Donald G. Stein
Asa G. Candler Professor in Emergency Medicine and Neurology
Emory University
Dr Donald G. Stein during his speech at Singapore Management University
