Our human stem cell research policy

The following policy covers only the use of human cells and tissue.

1. The following will be supported, assuming the research is scientifically justified, performed by researchers with appropriate expertise and conducted under appropriate ethical and regulatory approvals:
   1. The isolation and use of adult stem cells and tumour stem cells.
   2. Use of established embryonic stem (ES) cell lines.
   3. Production and use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines.
2. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator and the research institution to ensure that the research complies with all relevant laws and regulations in their country.
3. Human ES cell research must be conducted under the guidelines laid down by the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR):
   1. Research must use a characterized ES cell line of fully traceable provenance that is confirmed to have been generated in accordance with the ethical and legal principles outlined in the ISSCR guidelines.
   2. Unless otherwise required by the research, ES cell lines should be obtained directly from a recognized stem cell bank or biorepository.
4. We can see no scientific justification for cancer research to support the following at the present time, therefore we will not fund:
   1. Derivation of new ES cell lines from human embryos.
   2. Any use or production of human embryos, including hybrid, chimeric, or admixed embryos.
5. Human ES stem cell research that involves the use of animals must also adhere to the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, and reduction). More information can be found in our Using Animals in Research policy

Last updated 07/02/2023