The epidemic of diabetes that is affecting her home country led Dr. Susan Lim of Singapore to investigate the potential of adult stem cells, as a source of insulin-secreting cells, to treat diabetes. At first her work was ridiculed by fellow doctors who believed the adult stem cell-based research had no practical application. Most believed that embryonic stem cells would be more productive in research than adult stem cells. However, Dr. Susan Lim pressed on in search of a cure for diabetes. (Click here for more info)
Dr. Susan Lim In Singapore Taking The Next Step
In 2003, her efforts were affirmed by the National University of Singapore. They chose to collaborate with Dr. Susan Lim to bring together experts in the field. They focused on adult stem cell research and its potential for replacement therapy to cure diabetes (Click here to view talk). This effort was important to Dr. Susan Lim as diabetes can cause other serious health issues including kidney failure and heart disease. A cure would potentially halt the progression of the disease in Singapore and around the world. (Click here for NUS Collaboration)
Dr. Susan Lim Fighting For A Cure
Without any renumeration, Dr. Susan Lim works on this collaborative effort to find a cure. Because of the support that she and the University have received, the funding for the research reached $1 million in 2008. Susan Lim hopes to increase this funding to $5 million by 2013. Given her history of achievement and success, this goal is not out of reach. She desires to give back to her Alma Mater that has given so much to her. (Click here for more info)