ISSCR News
Working Group Members Appointed to the Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and the Stem Cell Network (SCN) today announced the appointment of an international working group comprising trainees and early career scientists to advance a new Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative. Through this joint effort, the organizations are convening a global dialogue on how the field can better prepare, support, and sustain the next generation of stem cell scientists across diverse career paths and regions.
Steadfast Progress in Stem Cell Research: Reflections and Resolve at the Start of 2026
As we pass the first month of 2026, stem cell research has already experienced both encouraging developments and serious challenges. In the United States, recent signals of a more restrictive stance toward research involving fetal tissue and human embryonic stem cells—particularly in the context of NIH policy—have been a source of deep concern for our field. The ISSCR has issued a formal statement addressing the fetal tissue policy change, and we sincerely hope that continued dialogue and advocacy will help improve the circumstances. Further the ISSCR will respond to the Request for Information (RFI) on Human Embryonic Stem Cells in NIH-Supported Research, continuing our longstanding defense of the stem cell field. For members who wish to share examples of the impact of limitations on hESC research with the media or policymakers, please let us know. These moments remind us that progress in stem cell science is never guaranteed and must be continually defended through evidence, transparency, and ethical responsibility.
New Podcast Episode. Illuminating hPSC-derived Sensory Neurons
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are transforming the study of biology and disease by enabling scientists to grow large amounts of specific cell types in the lab that were once difficult to obtain. Our guests today focus on improving the derivation and study of sensory neurons, which are sparse and diverse nerve cells near the spine that carry information like pain, touch, or position of the body to the brain. Damage to these neurons or sensory neuropathies, as can happen in diabetes or infections, is estimated to affect millions of people worldwide, yet treatments are limited. To improve the generation of human sensory neurons, the authors developed a genetic toolkit to fluorescently label these individual cells and their subtypes. This approach enables more precise study of these subtypes, their roles in disease, and potentially the development of treatments for sensory neuropathies.
Member Spotlight: Karl Koehler, PhD
ISSCR provides an essential forum for exchanging ideas across disciplines and career stages. I value the society’s commitment to rigor, education, and thoughtful discussion about the future of stem cell research. It’s a community that consistently pushes the field forward.
The ISSCR and ASSCR Partner on Joint Travel Award for ISSCR 2026
The ISSCR and Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (ASSCR) are partnering to launch the new ISSCR-ASSCR Joint Travel Award to support ASSCR student and early career member attendance the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montréal on 8-11 July 2026.
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