The scientific community appreciates that the Biden Administration is lifting the arbitrary restrictions on promising biomedical research using human fetal tissue. Fetal tissue is a crucial research tool that has contributed to numerous scientific advances and saved millions of lives. It was critical for the development of vaccines for polio, rubella, measles, chickenpox, and rabies. It remains essential for creating models of the human immune system for studying viral infections from HIV, Zika, coronavirus, and other viruses.

For 16 years, Nancy Witty has guided the ISSCR to its present prominence as the leading scientific society for stem cell research. Her leadership has enabled our international community to establish a strong foothold in promoting stem cell science, education, and global public policy initiatives that support the field. Nancy will retire in June from her amazing career as ISSCR’s Chief Executive Officer.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) unveils a new podcast today in connection with the Society’s open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal, Stem Cell Reports. The Stem Cell Report with Martin Pera goes “beyond the paper” with authors to draw new insights and explore the questions and creativity that propel new breakthroughs.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) announced today that Nancy Witty will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective 30 June 2021. Keith Alm, current ISSCR Chief Operating Officer will succeed her.