Build Community with the ISSCR

In past months, I’ve shared a number of new initiatives that the ISSCR has started to cultivate greater member engagement in the society’s activities. One of these initiatives is the new Science Spotlight sessions that I announced last month, giving ISSCR members the opportunity to design their own session at the 2023 Annual Meeting (proposals are open through 1 December). This month, I would like to provide an update on other member-led initiatives already in motion.

Standards for Best Practices in Basic Stem Cell Research

Late last month, the Steering Committee driving the ISSCR’s Standards Initiative came together in London, UK, to discuss peer review feedback on draft recommendations. The group set out to discuss and refine the draft recommendations, incorporating feedback from a diverse group of stakeholders. The Standards Initiative has been an international endeavor, engaging the stem cell research community frequently throughout the development of draft recommendations.  The engagements included an ISSCR Digital webinar series and a meeting with more than 60 scientists from 16 different countries invited to review the work in progress. As we finalizing this first phase, the society will continue to be transparent with our community and to seek out diverse feedbacks to strengthen this important set of standards.

Early Career Scientists Selected to work with Stem Cell Reports

Through an open call and competitive review of applicants, the Stem Cell Reports Editorial Board (ECEB) has invited 10 scientists to serve on our first Early Career Scientist Editorial Board. This diverse group includes scientists from Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the U.S. who will gain formal training in the journal editorial and peer-review process. The ECEB members will have ample opportunities to network with editors and associate editors and will take part in a special project next year, which may include work on a special issue of the journal or complementary digital scientific program. Look for a formal announcement of our inaugural class of ECEB members soon.

From the Lab to the Clinic, Join Us Next Month in Boston

Next month, the ISSCR will host the Boston International Symposium, “Translating Pluripotent Stem Cell Discoveries to the Clinic: Preclinical, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Strategies for Success,” in person and virtually. In both the Madison International Symposium last month and the upcoming Boston program in November, we focus on translation to the clinic and emerging therapies.  This is a clear indication of the significant advances in the field and our community’s leadership in the clinical application of stem cell science. I encourage you to explore the program and register here.

Until next month, stay engaged and stay inspired,

Haifan