ISSCR to focus on scientific, ethical and global challenges in stem cell research

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) introduced the 2007-2008 Officers this June at the 5th ISSCR Annual Meeting in Cairns, Australia.

George Q. Daley, MD, PhD, Children's Hospital Boston, began his term as the ISSCR president following outgoing president, Paul J. Simmons, PhD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. Dr. Simmons directed the ISSCR for the past year with a focus on growing membership and international participation. His accomplishments were reflected in the success of last month's annual meeting in Cairns, Australia – the first ISSCR meeting held outside North America. The past year also saw the launch of two publications in affiliation with the ISSCR; Cell Stem Cell , the official affiliated journal of the ISSCR, published by Cell Press, and Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology published by Wiley-Blackwell.

As president, Dr. Daley has already initiated forward-thinking plans for the society. “The ISSCR Board consists of leading scientists who are eager to work together to advance the mission of stem cell science. We have an ambitious agenda this year as we attempt to launch several major new initiatives,” said Dr. Daley.

One of those initiatives is to recruit leading international business leaders and policy-makers to serve on a Global Advisory Council. He anticipates holding the first ISSCR Global Forum to address the strategic direction of the society and examine the scientific, political and ethical challenges facing stem cell research.

“We are also working to compile a registry of human embryonic stem cells, and will convene a special task force to explore how to most effectively translate stem cell science into clinical trials. And we are already planning for the next annual meeting to promote scientific exchange, to be held in Philadelphia in June 2008.”

Fiona M. Watt, DPhil, London Research Institute, Irving L. Weissman, MD, PhD, Stanford University, Ihor R. Lemischka, PhD, Princeton University and Sean J. Morrison, PhD, University of Michigan, will also serve as 2007-2008 ISSCR Officers. Dr. Lemischka will also chair the Program Committee for the 6th ISSCR Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

For a complete listing of the ISSCR Officers and Board of Directors, visit http://www.isscr.org/leadership/index.htm.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit membership organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.