Hosts & Organizers
CO-HOSTS
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
CAS is the premier academic research organisation in China with 106 institutes covering all aspects of basic scientific research, representing the highest standards of S&T in China and driving national technology innovation. It does not engage in the commercial development or manufacture of biomedical products but does carry out early-stage translational research.
Institute of Zoology of CAS (IOZ CAS)
Institute of Zoology of CAS (IOZ CAS) is based in Beijing with a staff of 420. Among the competitive research staff, 75 scientists are professors. It has a division of developmental biology which has a high international reputation. It also gave rise to the National Stem Cell Resource Center and the Institute for Stem Cells and Regeneration (see below)(http://english.ioz.cas.cn/).
Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration (ISCR CAS)
ISCR CAS integrates scientific teams and high-level research platforms under CAS and actively explores new models of intra- and international collaboration in the field, to promote stem cell R&D and industrialization. Aiming to accelerate the clinical translation of biomedical research, the ISCR-CAS focuses on the frontiers of the following six R&D areas: 1)Ageing and Associated Diseases; 2)innovative biotechnologies; 3)reproductive health; 4) biotherapy; 5) stem cell medicines; and 6) organ engineering
Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (BISCRM)
Building on the success of ISCR CAS, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (BISCRM) was founded in 2020 as a joint strategic innovation initiative of CAS and the Beijing Municipal Government. The BISCRM conducts original research targeting unmet national needs and global scientific frontiers in stem cell and regenerative medicine.
CO-ORGANIZERS
International Stem Cell Foundation (ISCF)
The International Stem Cell Forum was originally formed in 2002 by Professor George Radda of the UK Medical Research Council, to promote international collaboration in the development of stem cell-based therapies. In recent years, it has been chaired and revitalized by Professor Qi Zhou, Director of the ISCR CAS since 2014 with an earmarked resource from key funders including CAS and CSSCR Continue in the spirit, the ISCF’s mandate is to promote the development of international scientific coordination on issues crucial to our understanding of pluripotent stem cells and their therapeutic applications. The key area of ISCF activity will continue to be providing multidisciplinary support for translational research on pluripotent stem cells.
The Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research (CSSCR)
Founded in 2007, the CSSCR is now the largest society for stem cell and regenerative medicine in China, with 52 directors and over 2,000 members from all over China. The participants come from various domains of academia, clinic, industry, and government. The responsibilities of CSSCR include promoting academic exchanges, popularizing science education, developing international cooperation, recommending outstanding talents, and advising on policy making in the field of stem cell research.
National Stem Cell Resource Center (NSCRC)
The National Stem Cell Resource Center has developed from the Beijing Stem Cell Bank which was established under the IOZ CAS in 2007 to provide resources and support for basic research and future clinical applications of human stem cells and has developed to a national resource center closely following the advances of international standards. A major objective will also be the establishment of an International Stem Cell Bank hub and training centre which can support the accreditation of stem cell banks and their staff and qualification of pluripotent stem cells for clinical use.
Innovation Alliance of National Stem Cell Resource Centers, China
Formed in 2019 under the leadership of Prof Qi Zhou, this National Alliance has formed from a partnership with ninebiobanking institutions spread across China. The Alliance is aimed to carry out collaborative research in biobanking and create a National central biobank resource to delivers tools and services for all types of researchers and biobankers by promoting biobank certification, education, and adoption of best practice standards.