May 2021 update to International Society for Stem Cell Research Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation

The International Society for Stem Cell Research Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation were updated in May 2021 by a task force that comprised 45 international experts including scientists, clinicians, ethicists, lawyers, and policy specialists.  These guidelines set standards that are used by researchers, policymakers, funders, and journals who review research. Scientific advances have enabled human embryo models that permit the study of early human developmental processes and ways to prevent or treat human disease.  With these advances an update of the guidelines for the use of human cells in research and translation was required to facilitate this important research while setting carefully considered boundaries delineating which experiments are acceptable, both legally and to society. Robin Lovell-Badge, PhD, FRS, Chair, ISSCR Guidelines task force and Senior Group Leader and Head of the Division of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics at The Francis Crick Institute, UK stated that the new guidelines "provide confidence to researchers, clinicians, and the public alike that stem cell science can proceed responsibly, ethically, and remain responsive to public and patient interests,” Read more about the guidelines.