The ISSCR annual meeting is the world’s largest gathering of stem cell scientists, and in 2018 the meeting will be held in Melbourne, AU, 20-23 June, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The meeting brings together some 3500 stem cell researchers and clinicians from around the world to share the latest developments in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

The ISSCR commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reaffirming its regulatory authority over stem cell biologics and clarifying the criteria that determine which cell-based products fall under its oversight. These guidance documents will provide greater transparency for patients, medical professionals, and law enforcement authorities, about the legal status of stem cell treatments in the U.S.

A measure signed into law 3 October in the state of California, U.S., requires clinics to inform patients if they are using stem cell interventions that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ISSCR president Hans Clevers expresses support for the measure.

The ISSCR commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its policy direction and enforcement efforts, to provide “bright lines and appropriate oversight” for regulating stem cell treatments and regenerative medicine.

A study on the first use of CRISPR technology in the U.S. to correct a disease-causing genetic defect in early stage human embryos.

The ISSCR wrote to members of the Texas House of Representatives, U.S., to oppose House Bill 661, House Bill 810, and House Bill 3236, which would allow investigational agents to be sold to patients without first providing rigorous evidence of safety and efficacy. The ISSCR believes the legislation would put patients at serious risk of harm from unproven treatments.

A provision of the U.S. House of Representatives Labor-HHS-Education bill would ban federal funding for fetal tissue research.

The ISSCR is pleased to announce Hans Clevers, Hubrecht Institute, the Netherlands, as the incoming president of the ISSCR and its board of directors. Clevers assumes the post immediately following the 15th ISSCR Annual Meeting in Boston, 14-17 June, 2017.

Progress in stem cell research and its translation to the clinic will be the focus of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) annual meeting 14-17 June at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, Mass. More than 4,000 stem cell scientists, bioethicists, clinicians, and industry professionals from over 50 countries will share and discuss the latest discoveries and technologies within the field, and how they are advancing regenerative medicine.

The FY2018 Discretionary Budget Plan put forward by the U.S. Administration includes dramatic cuts in funding for science and research programs that would threaten biomedical research and its translation into new therapies for millions of people worldwide.

The ISSCR issued a statement opposing a U.S. executive order on immigration.

The ISSCR awards recognize outstanding scientists in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Award recipients are selected by their peers, and receive the honor at the ISSCR annual meeting, where they are invited to present their science.

Fetal tissue research has made major contributions to our understanding of biology and the development of new medical technologies, including vaccines for many diseases that have saved millions of lives. The ISSCR is providing a portfolio of examples showing how the use of fetal tissue has led to therapies that have saved lives as well as ways in which fetal tissue research continues to be necessary for medical advances.