International Society for Stem Cell Research

ISSCR Newsletter
Volume 1, No. 1
March 20, 2002

New Society for Stem Cell Research Established

President's Statement

Dear Stem Cell Community:

It is our pleasure to announce the beginning of a new society called the International Society for Stem Cell Research. We, the Board of the ISSCR, have thought that it was important to establish a venue for stem cell researchers to get together and exchange their ideas.

Through the Society, we hope to set the standards for the field by defining what stem cell research is, including what it is not. In the future it is also critical to probe the ethical issues regarding stem cell research and applications, and to inform the public about their potential as well as their risks.

The ISSCR will have an annual meeting that will bring stem cell researchers together. We plan to have sessions that include the derivation of stem cell populations, their manipulation into differentiated tissues and transplantation technology, gene therapy, as well as genomics and genetics of stem cells.

nimal models of stem cell biology will also be an important part of the Society. A clinical section will also be interested in bringing stem cells to the patient. We hope to examine the ability to treat particular diseases including congenital and degenerative disorders.

Public and political concern regarding the ethics of stem cells is paramount, as reflected by its prominence in the media. It is very important that the Society function in an academic manner to bring contrasting viewpoints together. Our hope would be that such discussions at Society meetings will educate the public as well as provide a working formula for the ultimate use of stem cells in the clinic. Dr. Laurie Zoloth, the ethicist on the Board of the ISSCR, will lead the Society's effort in establishing a forum to address these issues.

With an excellent foundation in place and the support of the field, we are confident that the International Society for Stem Cell Research will grow and prosper. Please let others in the field know about the Society. We look forward to our first meeting in 2003.

Feel free to contact me regarding any questions.

Sincerely,

Leonard I. Zon, M.D.
President

Irving L. Weissman, M.D.
Secretary

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