title: Catalyzing stem cell research.
abstract: In 2001, the Stem Cell Network was the first of its kind, a bold initiative to forge and nurture pan-Canadian collaborations involving researchers, engineers, clinicians and private and public sector partners. Canada's broad and deep pool of stem cell talent proved to be a fertile ground for such an initiative, giving rise to a strong, thriving network that, 7 years later, can list innovative cell expansion and screening technologies, early-phase clinical trials for stroke, pulmonary hypertension, muscular dystrophy and cornea replacement, and leading discourse on ethical, legal and social issues among its accomplishments. As it moves into its second and final phase of funding, the Stem Cell Network continues to push boundaries and has set its sights on overcoming the obstacles that impede the transfer of research findings to clinical applications, commercial products and public policy.
authors: Stem Cell Network, 501 Smyth Road, Room CCW-6293, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada. lisa@stemcellnetwork.ca
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Willemse
authors: Drew
authors: D
authors: Lyall
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Rudnicki
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics*; D001709:Biotechnology; D002170:Canada; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003132:Commerce / Q000941:ethics*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010067:Ownership / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000941:ethics; D011050:Policy Making; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000941:ethics* / Q000639:trends; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods