Human Fetal Tissue: A Legacy of Biomedical Research Contributions

Since the 1930’s research using human fetal tissue has been used in numerous scientific and medical advances that have saved millions of lives, including the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases. Despite its substantial contribution to medicine and science, significant public debate and misinformation persists surrounding the ethical use of human fetal tissue in biomedical research.  The ISSCR, led by its Public Policy Committee, have been tireless champions and advocates for sound science policy across the globe. This includes advocacy for fetal tissue research and working to inform policymakers and the public on the vast medical applications and advances that have, and will, come from the use of HFT in biomedical research. Towards that end, the ISSCR and the Lawrence Goldstein Policy Fellows have authored a recent paper in Stem Cell Reports entitled, Human Fetal Tissue is Critical for Biomedical Research. HostMartin Pera, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson Laboratory@martinperaJAX GuestsLawrence (Larry) Goldstein, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Director Emeritus of Stem Cell Program at the University of California, San Diego. He is the namesake for the ISSCR’s Lawrence Goldstein Science Policy Fellowship which is training the next generation of scientists to impact public policy.  Tyler Lamb, JD, is the ISSCR’s Director of Policy and leads the Society’s global policy efforts.  Tamra Lysaght, PhD, University of Sydney, Australia, is an Associate Professor in Health Ethics.Justin Brumbaugh, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder, USA, is an Assistant Professor in Molecular Cellular & Developmental Biology. Supporting Materials Drs. Brumbaugh, Lysaght, and Goldstein, along with Brian Aguado, are authors of the recently published paper, Human Fetal Tissue is Critical for Biomedical Research.  About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith more than 4,800 members from 75+ countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen Snitkoff