May 26, 2021

ISSCR Guidelines Update on Stem Cell Research

How are rapid advances in stem cell research raising new scientific and ethical questions, such as the ability to extend the time in culture of human embryos? The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) released its highly anticipated updated guidelines for stem cell research and its translation to medicine on 26 May, 16:00 UK/11:00 EDT. The update reflects emerging advances including, stem cell-based embryo models, human embryo research, chimeras, organoids, and genome editing.

Journalists joined to hear Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, ISSCR Guidelines Task Force Chair, and other world class stem cell scientists discuss the significant changes in the guidelines that impact scientists and society worldwide, and to hear about the science behind new embryo-like structures and the latest thinking on the 14-day rule.

Background

The ISSCR Guidelines are widely recognized as the international standard for scientific and ethical rigor, oversight, and transparency in stem cell research and provide assurance that research is conducted with integrity and new therapies are safe, effective, and evidence-based.

Speakers included:

Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, PhD, FRS, Chair, ISSCR Guidelines Task Force, Senior Group Leader and Head of the Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics at The Francis Crick Institute, UK

Prof Insoo Hyun, PhD, Professor, Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, USA

Prof Kathy Niakan, PhD, Professor at the University of Cambridge and Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute UK

Dr Janet Rossant, PhD, Senior Scientist and Chief of Research Emeritus, Hospital for Sick Children, University Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Canada