Top scientists and researchers from academia, medicine, and industry will gather to share groundbreaking stem cell science and its translation to clinical application at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), 26-29 June in Los Angeles, Calif.

Scientists play a critical role in advocating for research that is advancing healthcare and biomedicine. In the February edition of Stem Cell Reports, several ISSCR researchers share their answers to the question 'Why is it important to you to support fetal tissue research?'

The ISSCR announces the recipients of its 2019 Award for Innovation, Dr. Susan Lim Award for Outstanding Young Investigator, Tobias Award Lecture, and Public Service Award. Awardees will be recognized at the ISSCR annual meeting, 26-29 June, in Los Angeles, Calif., U.S.

If you’re an enterprising stem cell scientist with exciting work to publish this year, the ISSCR annual meeting in Los Angeles, 26-29 June, is the place to take the stage and showcase your science to colleagues and the field. We’ve developed a new program structure this year that dedicates 15 plenary speaking spots to abstract-selected speakers, to showcase the talents of the next generation of scientists.

Keith Alm joined the ISSCR as chief operating officer in January 2019, after serving as a brand strategist and consultant for the society for nearly a decade. He’s worked with many of the organization's leaders on strategic positioning, communications, and partnerships.

The ISSCR’s support for stem cell science and the field is central to our mission, and we speak up for policies around the world that allow our work to continue and thrive. We also provide background and current understanding about stem cell science to inform decision makers about key issues affecting science and health.

In written and oral testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee today, former ISSCR president Sally Temple describes fetal tissue research as essential in studying and developing therapies for cancer, HIV, Zika, tuberculous, and other devastating diseases.

Stem cell science and regenerative medicine has made great progress in 2018, with significant clinical trials underway in several research areas, and advances in understanding that are illuminating new research pathways. The role of the ISSCR in supporting the research and its responsible translation to the clinic has never been more important. I want to highlight for you some of ISSCR’s work throughout the year that I believe helps advance science, give voice to our members, and sustain this ever-evolving field.

Reports indicate that scientists in China have used CRISPR-mediated genome editing during in vitro fertilization to modify the genetic material of two embryos that were subsequently implanted into a patient, leading to the birth of two babies. As ISSCR and a number of other organizations have previously stated, the use of nuclear genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, during fertility treatment is premature and should not be attempted at this time.

In a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ISSCR commented on proposed industry guidance for "Civil Money Penalties Relating to the ClinicalTrials.gov Data Bank."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to StemGenex of San Diego after an investigation found its cellular therapy does not conform with good manufacturing practice requirements, is being illegally marketed to treat conditions for which it has not been proven safe or effective, and is putting patients at risk.

In this month's issue of the ISSCR journal, 2018 award recipients Graziella Pellegrini and Michele De Luca (Innovation Award), and Connie Eaves (Tobias Lecture), share perspectives on their science, and scientists write about the ethical challenges of premature delivery of stem cell-based therapies.

Stem cell research is moving ever more deliberately toward the clinic with increasing momentum and is recognized as one of the most promising approaches for developing new kinds of medicines. The rapid advances in this field are having profound effects on how researchers conceive and pursue their work in traditional academic or research institutions and in commercial enterprises.

The ISSCR writes in support of the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) complaint requesting relief from discriminatory airline carriage policies that impede the transportation of animals for biomedical research.

I take seriously my responsibility to support and nurture future generations of stem cell scientists. Indeed, it is critical for all of us in this evolving field to help trainees and others coming up in the field, to ensure they have opportunities to learn, grow, make connections, and share their science.