Message from the President, Christine MummeryDuring VISION2030: A Forecast for the Field earlier this month, leading biotechnology companies shared distinct and powerful visions for the decade ahead – perspectives that will no doubt encourage and inspire hundreds of our colleagues around the world.

I have long believed that one of the most valuable benefits of your membership is the opportunity to leverage the expertise of the global stem cell and regenerative medicine community to help ensure that legislative and regulatory policies support responsible research and discovery in our field.  A substantial amount of scientific research is funded through national or government investment, therefore these policies can have a significant impact on biomedical research and the pursuit of new therapeutics to treat disease.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is just that, an international organization. We work across the globe to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. The society’s mission-based outreach is broad, and it extends well beyond our signature annual meeting and international symposia. The society, through the leadership of its board of directors, volunteer committees, and staff, advances international initiatives in multiple areas including policy and advocacy, professional standards, building working relationships to stay abreast of emerging areas of interest, and of course educational meetings.