Working Group on Global Workforce Development in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Call for Nominations

Nominations will be accepted through 5 December 2025

The ISSCR and the Canadian Stem Cell Network (SCN) are partnering on a global initiative to provide perspectives on workforce development in stem cells and regenerative medicine. The ISSCR and SCN are seeking nominations to form a working group of early career scientists and senior trainees in stem cell and regenerative medicine research who will provide perspectives on global workforce development.

The group will highlight early career and trainee perspectives on their career paths and prospects across the globe, analyze current challenges and opportunities for trainee career development, and pinpoint key skills gaps and areas for future trainee development. Efforts will culminate in a report summarizing the group’s findings and providing action-oriented recommendations for the field. 

Whom we are seeking:

• Senior trainees including those who meet Canada’s definition of “Highly Qualified Personnel” (HQP) (i.e., a graduate student, post-doc, research associate and/or technician); OR Early career scientists (PIs/Faculty within 5 years of starting independent research positions); OR Early career industry scientists (within the first five years of exiting academia). 

• Involved in the stem cell and regenerative medicine sector. 

• Collaborative-minded individuals willing to share their perspective and consider the perspectives of others. 

• Proficient in English to enable effective participation in group discussions and report preparation. 

• We are seeking nominations from across the world.

Expectations for selected working group members:

• Read briefing materials for and attend regular working group calls.

• Contribute to the development and dissemination of a survey on workforce development and support the planning of additional deliverables (focus groups, interviews, research) as needed. 

• Contribute to the working group’s efforts through discussions and report writing, as assigned. 

• Participate in the effort with a collaborative approach. 

• Limited support may be provided to supplement travel to the ISSCR and TMM 2026 meetings, depending on available funds and other criteria. 

 Selection Process:

The ISSCR and SCN will select committee members based on factors including merit, capacity for participation, and regional distribution. The selection process may include a brief interview for candidates before final committee members are selected. The committee will comprise 10-12 individuals who represent countries active in regenerative medicine. Nominees who have active ties to their national/regional stem cell or regenerative medicine society/network may be prioritized for participation. If nominees are not selected for participation on the committee they may still be contacted to gather their perspectives and input as part of the working group’s efforts. 

Benefits of Participating:

This opportunity will provide working group members with a unique international collaborative experience. In addition to helping to shape the future direction of training in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, working group members will have an opportunity to network with others in the field across the world.

Anticipated Project Timeline:

• Fall 2025: Nominations and selection of working group members.

• January 2026: Group meeting kick-off and initiation of monthly working group meetings (anticipated through calendar year 2026). Additional working group virtual calls are possible.

• Spring 2026: The working group is anticipated to create and release a public information gathering survey to collect a broader range of perspectives.

• July 2026: ISSCR Annual Meeting 8-11 July: The working group’s efforts will be included in the program for ISSCR annual meeting 2026.

• November 2026: SCN Till & McCulloch Meeting 9-11 November: The working group's effort will be included in the program for SCN’s TMM 2026 in Vancouver.

• Fall and Winter 2026: Preparation and publication of the group’s final report.