Patricia Pranke

Patricia Helena Lucas Pranke (born 1967) is a Brazilian scientist. She studies stem cells at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).

Pranke is famous for helping the government of Brazil write the National Biosafety Law between 2003 and 2005. This law made rules for how scientists can study human embryonic stem cells in Brazil.

 Education 
Pranke studied Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the Federal University of Santa Maria. She finished her degree in 1990. She later earned a master's degree from the State University of Campinas and a doctorate (PhD) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. She also studied in the United States and Germany. In Germany, she learned about nanotechnology. She uses this technology to grow new organs and tissues in a laboratory.

 Work 
Pranke has been a professor at UFRGS since 1995. She is the head of the Hematology and Stem Cell Laboratory. Her research looks at several important topics:

 Stem cells
 Blood from the umbilical cord
 Nanotechnology and nanomedicine
 Regenerative medicine (helping the body fix itself)

She was one of the first people in Brazil to combine the study of stem cells with nanotechnology.

 Memberships 
Pranke belongs to many scientific groups:

 She is a leader in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) for Latin America.
 She is a member of the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative (ISCBI).
 She was a scientific advisor to the Brazilian government.

 Awards 
Pranke has won 10 awards for her work. In 2005, she received the Social Responsibility Award from FADERS. This award was for her work helping people with physical disabilities and special needs.

 References 

Category:1967 births
Category:Living people
Category:Brazilian scientists