ISSCR News
ISSCR Remembers Pete Coffey
The global stem cell community mourns the loss of Professor Pete Coffey, a world-renowned eye researcher. Professor Coffey pioneered regenerative treatments for vision loss, including the landmark London Project to Cure Blindness, and authored key studies demonstrating the potential of stem cell-derived therapies for age-related macular degeneration. His groundbreaking 2018 clinical study, published in Nature Biotechnology, provided the first convincing evidence of restored vision using a transplanted pluripotent stem cell product. Widely recognized for his contributions, he received numerous awards, including the CIRM Leadership Award and the Robertson Stem Cell Prize. Professor Coffey passed away last week following a long illness. Dr. Coffey was an active ISSCR member contributing to advocacy efforts on behalf of the field and presenting his work at ISSCR meetings.
ISSCR Remembers James Till
The global stem cell community remembers the life and profound contributions of James Till, who passed away on May 18 at the age of 94. Alongside the late Ernest McCulloch, Dr. Till conducted pioneering research in the 1960s that proved the existence of stem cells, laying the groundwork for bone marrow transplantation, regenerative medicine, and stem cell-based therapies. His transformative discoveries revolutionized biomedical science by identifying blood-forming stem cells and the principle of self-renewal. A dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Till also advanced research in cancer care ethics and patient decision-making. His legacy endures through the many accolades he received and the global impact of his scientific vision and mentorship.
Stem Cell-Derived “Spinal Cord-Like” Microtissues Afford Personalized Drug Screening
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fast-progressing neurodegenerative disease with an average survival time of three years and no effective treatments. In ALS, motor neurons in the spinal cord, which are required for muscle contractions, die off, leading to progressive muscle paralysis. The molecular causes of ALS are poorly understood, but neuroinflammation, a process of excessive inflammation fueled by immune cells in the spinal cord, is thought to contribute to motor neuron death in ALS. Reducing neuroinflammation may be a tractable way to treat ALS.
ISSCR Working Group Recommends Enhanced Oversight of Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models in Response to Rapid Technological Advances
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Embryo Models Working Group has released updated recommendations for the oversight and regulation of stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEM), aiming to address rapid advancements and ensure responsible scientific progress. The proposed recommendations are detailed in a new paper published today in Stem Cell Reports.
SCBEMs are three dimensional structures that replicate key aspects of early embryonic development, offering unprecedented potential to enhance our understanding of human developmental biology and reproductive science.
Message from the President | Year in Review: 2024-2025
As I reflect on this past year as ISSCR President, I feel gratitude for what I have learned and the outlook it has given me on the Society and on the field it represents. I will share a few reflections below.
As I began in my role, I realized that I had only a superficial understanding of the work of more than 200 volunteers and ISSCR team members. With Director of Media and Strategic Communications Kym Kilbourne, I have embarked on monthly interviews and email correspondence with colleagues in leadership roles to learn about the work of the ISSCR committees, task forces, and working groups. It has been humbling to listen to them and to experience the passion and commitment each of them brings to our Society. Their work spans large subfields of regenerative biology and medicine allowing us to form public and regulatory policy priorities, educate ourselves and others, participate in manufacturing innovations, and wrestle with important ethical questions, to name just a few. It was a privilege to report on their work monthly in my president’s messages.
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