We’ve seen some extraordinary stem cell advances reaching the clinic. A recent clinical trial could have a significant impact on patients with Type 1 diabetes. Advances in cell therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and a stem cell-derived model that has enabled researchers to identify drug candidates that may slow dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These are only a few of the potential ways stem cell science is positioned to make significant impact on the treatment of devastating diseases.

Welcome to 2022, a new year that we hope will bring a new chance for us to come together. While for many of us this still seems problematic given the current situation, we will continue as a Society to facilitate your ability to continue to collaborate via our virtual programming, meetings, and social media. Indeed, the need to collaborate is more important than ever.

“I just wanted to pass on heartfelt thanks from myself, the Australian Mito Foundation and others supporting legislative change to yourself and ISSCR for this incredibly valuable contribution to Australian public policy,” Professor David Thorburn PhD, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and University of Melbourne.

For the first time in the society’s 20-year history, we hosted a panel discussion on Equity in Stem Cell Science at the 2021 Annual Meeting. It was the start of an important conversation, and a step toward addressing inequalities among researchers and future patients the world over.