Together, We Continue to Unlock the Full Potential of Stem Cell Research

I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected as the next President of the ISSCR. I have been a member of this society for nearly two decades. My research centers on using stem cells to understand the development of the nervous system—especially the brain—and to explore ways to promote regeneration in disease contexts. Through ISSCR, I have had the privilege of engaging with leading experts across a vast spectrum of disciplines, from fundamental biology to translational and clinical research. I am grateful for the opportunities and mentorship I have received, and I now see it as my responsibility to give back to this incredible community.

As we all recognize, stem cell science is advancing at a remarkable pace—through innovations such as integrated embryo models, gene editing technologies, and regenerative medicine approaches using pluripotent stem cells. In the midst of this rapid evolution, what should remain central to the ISSCR?

In fact, I believe the answer lies exactly in the biology of stem cells themselves: multipotency and self-renewal—two principles that should guide our society’s future.

Multipotency reflects the diversity we must embrace—across gender, ethnicity, geography, career stages, and research disciplines. Our members are already engaged in a wide spectrum of research, from basic science in diverse model organisms to translational, clinical, and regulatory work. This diversity will only grow as the field continues to expand.

Self-renewal represents our commitment to sustaining scientific excellence and ethical leadership across generations. To achieve this, we must strategically nurture new leaders—those who will not only carry forward our mission but also cultivate the next generation behind them.

Moreover, the ISSCR must serve as a niche environment that empowers stem cell research globally—facilitating international collaborations, promoting talent mobility, and fostering inclusivity. As interest in our field continues to rise, we also have an obligation to engage with society at large—patients, advocates, policymakers, and the public—through transparency, education, and ethical accountability.

Together, as a global community, let us continue to unlock the full potential of stem cell research to illuminate human biology and improve human health.

Hideyuki