NEUROscreen is an industry-lead project combining novel neural stem cell bioassays & post-genomic chemical genetics to discover potential drugs of relevance to neurological diseases, regenerative medicine & cancer. Small molecule inhibitors of the growth of clonal, human neural cancer stem cells have the prospect of being unique medicines targeting the elusive cancer stem cell. Chemical modulators augmenting the growth, survival or differentiation of normal brain cells have a prospect as preventative or regenerative medicines for neurodegenerative diseases i.e. Alzheimer's, stroke & Huntington's disease. The consortium will use quality controlled cell lines & genetic engineering technology to design unique bioassays with which the biological modulating capacity of small molecules will be evaluated in a multi-replicate manner. Advanced chemistry will be used for the intuitive design and synthesize of biologically active molecules. Screening will be achieved with cells made to a quality & quantity via innovative bioprocesses & handled with state of the art robotics. The project will enhance the utility of the cell lines by delimiting the in vitro neural potency of the stem cells; ongoing determination of differentiation capacity serves as a rigorous confirmation of utility. The project will focus on specific activities germane to a wider applied research field than its seeding project EuroStemCell. The consortium & project have been designed with a crucial alignment in mind to objectives of the Work Programme/Specific Programme for Integrating & strengthening the ERA i.e. gender & innovation aspects in research, international cooperation (3 countries & a new member state) and fostering ethical awareness in research involving human stem cells. More than 50% of partners represent European small- & medium-sized companies and this balance structures a consortium with greater potential than individual parts & will directly strengthen the ERA foundations.'