Officer
Magdalena Kasendra
Chair
Director of Research and Development at the Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center
Short-Term Goals (1–2 Years)
- Establish Committees: Form committees focused on key areas such as U.S. Government Relations and Policy, U.S. Regulatory Affairs, and Science & Technology. These committees will provide leadership and expert insight for advocacy and education efforts.
- Develop Strategic Partnerships: Foster collaborations with regulatory bodies like the FDA, industry partners, and academic institutions to strengthen our advocacy efforts for MPS technology.
- Creation of Interest Groups: Establish interest groups that will provide a forum for society members to exchange ideas, share data, and discuss technological advancements and challenges in the MPS field. These groups will facilitate collaboration across different sectors, promoting knowledge exchange and supporting the development of innovative solutions within the MPS community.
- Develop Advocacy Agenda: In partnership with the U.S. Government Relations Committee, craft a strategic advocacy agenda focused on increasing support for New Approach Methods (NAMs) and advancing the regulatory framework for MPS.
- Engage with Congressional Staff: Establish formal interactions with Congress and relevant agencies to push for policies that support MPS adoption, and secure funding for research and education initiatives.
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- Host Workshops and Webinars: Organize educational sessions to raise awareness about the utility of MPS in drug screening, toxicity testing, and personalized medicine among key stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, industry, and academic researchers.
- Increase Outreach: Develop targeted outreach campaigns to promote MPS technology to patient associations, testing centers, and the broader scientific community in the U.S.
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Long-Term Goals (3–5 Years)
- Collaborate with Regulatory Agencies: Work closely with FDA, EPA, and other regulatory bodies to further standardize and harmonize MPS technologies. Develop frameworks for MPS integration into safety assessments, clinical trial models, and precision medicine applications.
- Expand Regulatory Objectives: Prioritize regulatory goals, focusing on the inclusion of MPS in global and national safety guidelines, including those for drug development and environmental testing.
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- Position iMPSS as a Global MPS Hub: Work closely with other regional iMPSS chapters to foster global leadership in MPS technology. By aligning efforts and sharing expertise, enable the harmonization of standards and best practices across the globe. This collaboration will strengthen the iMPSS’s role in driving international regulatory discussions and advancing the adoption of MPS technology worldwide.
- Establish iMPSS as a Training Ground: Develop programs that not only educate the next generation of scientists but also train regulators and professionals entering the MPS field, enhancing the safe and responsible adoption of this technology.
- Advocate for Increased NAMs Funding: Lobby for increased U.S. government funding and grant opportunities to support research into NAMs, including MPS. Ensure sustained financial support for academic and industry-led MPS innovations.
- Support Basic and Translational Research: Expand funding and partnerships with major research institutions to accelerate MPS development from basic research to clinical applications.
- Develop Certification Programs: Establish educational certification tracks for scientists and professionals working with MPS technology, ensuring a high standard of knowledge and competence in the field.
- Broaden Outreach to Young Scientists: Increase scholarships, mentorship programs, and hands-on training initiatives for young scientists and underrepresented groups in MPS research to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce.