The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is a leading nonprofit organization founded in 2002, dedicated to advancing excellence in stem cell science and its applications to human health. With over 5,000 members—including scientists, clinicians, ethicists, and industry leaders—from more than 80 countries, ISSCR fosters global collaboration, promotes ethical practices, and accelerates discoveries in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.

Programs and Initiatives

• Annual Meeting and Symposia: The world’s largest stem cell conferences, featuring plenary sessions, awards, concurrent tracks on topics like pluripotency and clinical translation, and networking events; the 2025 meeting is scheduled for July 8-11 in Montréal, Canada.
• Stem Cell Reports: An open-access journal publishing original research and clinical studies in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
• Education and Training: Free resources including the Continuing Education Course on Stem Cell Medicine (seven video modules in six languages, accredited for CME credits), a syllabus on stem cell basics, and public outreach via AboutStemCells.org for patients and educators.
• Standards and Guidelines: Development of international best practices, including updated 2021 Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, addressing ethics, regulatory affairs, and embryo models.
• Advocacy and Policy: Efforts to combat unproven treatments, secure funding, defend research access (e.g., fetal tissue), and engage regulators globally, including collaborations with agencies like Japan’s PMDA and Korea’s MFDS.
• Equity Initiatives: Reduced fees for low-resource countries, scholarships for underrepresented scientists, and programs promoting diverse cell lines and global participation.

ISSCR supports translation from bench to bedside while prioritizing ethical oversight and public education.

Leadership and Expertise

Governed by a Board of Directors and specialized committees with global experts in stem cell research, ethics, and policy.

Key figures include:

• Melissa H. Little, PhD: Past President (2021-2022), Director at Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Denmark, and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia.
• Clive Svendsen, PhD: Chair, Finance Committee, Executive Director at Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute.
• R. Alta Charo, JD: Ethics and Public Policy Committee, Professor Emerita at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• George Q. Daley, MD, PhD: Board Member, Dean at Harvard Medical School and past ISSCR President.
• Janet Rossant, PhD: Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports.

Other notable members: Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, PhD (UC San Diego); Sarah E. Millar, PhD (University of Pennsylvania); Alan O. Trounson, PhD (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine). Committees cover finance, publishing, ethics, and program planning to guide strategic initiatives.

Some sources also report the address as 630 Davis Street, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201.