MADISON, Wis. -- Hundreds of the world's top players in the field of stem cell research will gather in Madison for a summit in September.

Up to 1,000 researchers, philanthropists and business representatives are expected to attend the World Stem Cell Summit at the Alliant Energy Center on Sept. 22 and 23.

Genetics Policy Institute founder Bernard Siegel said that he chose Madison to host the event because the city has been a launching pad for the field.

He said that the event will coincide with the 10-year anniversary of University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist James Thomson becoming the first to isolate human embryonic stem cells.

"Right here in Madison is where it started with the path-finding work of James Thomsen, so our event is coming here as part of the 10-year celebration of Thomsen's tremendous work," Siegel said.

Thomson will speak at the summit about a new technique in which ordinary skin cells can be turned into stem cells.