As the state works to position itself as a leader in life sciences research and development, the University of Michigan and research corridor partners Michigan State University and Wayne State University have been named among hosts for next year's World Stem Cell Summit.

Announcing the summit will be held in Detroit, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said today the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the univerisites will be able to play host to "one of the most important life sciences conferences in the world."

The conference will be held from Oct. 4-6, 2010, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

In a release, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said the university was excited to bring the summit to Michigan.

“Stem cell research and discovery are of tremendous importance not only to scientists, patients and families but also to transforming our state’s economy,” she said.

More than 1,200 stem cell stakeholders from more than 30 countries are expected to travel to the state for the summit. They are expected to discus stem cell science and progress on treatments for cancer, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other disorders.

They are also expected to discuss commercialization, economic development, regulation and ethics.

Previous summits have taken place in cities like Houston, Baltimore and Boston.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.