ISSCR News
New Podcast Episode. Two Decades of iPS Cells: Perspectives from the Field
In 2006, Kazutoshi Takahashi and Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University published their landmark paper showing that mouse skin cells could be reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state using just four transcription factors. Over the past two decades, this finding has taken the field of stem cell research in many new directions, opening new ways to study human development, understand and engineer cell fate, model disease, and explore new stem cell–based approaches to medicine. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, we invite leaders in the field to reflect on how the discovery of iPS cells has impacted their own research and the field of stem cell research and its applications more broadly. Together, their stories offer personal insights into how iPS cells have changed stem cell research forever.
The ISSCR Introduces CDMO Directory, a Screening Tool to Support Researchers Advancing Toward Clinical Translation
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is developing a new CDMO Directory, a web-based resource designed to help Society members identify contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) with capabilities relevant to their research and clinical translation needs.
Led by the ISSCR Manufacturing, Clinical Translation, and Regulatory (MCTR) Committee, the directory is intended to help bridge the gap between researchers and manufacturers by consolidating key information about participating CDMOs in one centralized resource. The directory will be available to the ISSCR’s nearly 5,000 members across the world staring on 19 October.
CDMOs may participate in the directory by completing a questionnaire developed to capture information researchers consider important when selecting a manufacturing partner. Responses are used to populate each organization’s profile. Through the CDMO Directory, the ISSCR is providing researchers moving toward clinical translation with a practical resource for exploring manufacturing capabilities and beginning conversations with potential partners.
The ISSCR Opens 2027 Membership, Introduces $1 Student Membership for Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Join now and receive immediate access to ISSCR member benefits through the end of 2027
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has opened membership for 2027, with a major new initiative designed to expand access to the global stem cell community. Student membership is now just $1 USD for students studying in low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank.
The new membership rate reflects the ISSCR’s commitment to supporting the future of stem cell science by making it easier for students around the world to connect with the research, people, and opportunities that can help shape their scientific careers. Through the ISSCR, students can learn from leaders across the field, showcase their own research, build relationships with scientists from around the world, and become part of the global community as they continue their education and pursue careers in stem cell science and regenerative medicine.
Individuals who join or renew now for 2027 begin enjoying the benefits immediately, providing access for the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027.
Nominations Are Open for the 2027 ISSCR Board of Directors and the Society’s Annual Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2027 ISSCR Board of Directors and the Society’s annual awards.
The strength of the ISSCR comes from the expertise, perspectives, and contributions of its global community. This fall, members have two important opportunities to engage with the Society – helping to shape its future leadership and recognizing individuals and groups whose contributions are advancing stem cell science and the field.
Nominations for both opportunities are due on 16 October 2026.
Stem Cell Reports Welcomes Dominique Bonnet and Frederic Relaix as Associate Editors
Leading researchers bring expertise in hematopoietic and muscle stem cells to the ISSCR’s open access peer-reviewed journal
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) announces the appointment of Dominique Bonnet, Ph.D., and Frederic Relaix, Ph.D., as Associate Editors of Stem Cell Reports, the official journal of the ISSCR.
Drs. Bonnet and Relaix bring internationally recognized expertise spanning hematopoietic and muscle stem cell biology, development, regeneration, disease modeling, and translational research. Their appointments further strengthen the journal’s editorial expertise across fundamental and disease-focused stem cell research.
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