Publications - reviews and reports
MRC publications on regenerative medicine and stem cell research
This page provides information on a number of reports and publications relating to regenerative medicine and stem cell research. These publications may be of interest to anyone involved in this research agenda; some are written for the non-expert audience and others are specifically aimed at the scientific expert.
2012 A Strategy for UK Regenerative Medicine
A strategic review of regenerative medicine has been jointly undertaken by four UK research councils (RCs; the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council - BBSRC, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - EPSRC, Economic and Social Research Council - ESRC and Medical Research Council - MRC) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB). This has sought to identify the opportunities and challenges faced by the UK regenerative medicine community, spanning discovery and translational science and the needs for clinical delivery. The findings of this review have been used to develop a comprehensive UK strategy and route map for future investment for regenerative medicine, and while focused on the research and development agenda where the sponsor group has greatest influence, this strategy has also considered barriers to application in areas beyond the immediate research domain.
A Strategy for UK Regenerative Medicine
2011 Forward Look in Regenerative Medicine
A Forward Look in Regenerative Medicine was sponsored by four RCs (MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC) and Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to produce a view from the research community as to the future priorities for regenerative medicine research and development, taking into account current activities, opportunities, and scientific, clinical and commercial relevance. This was achieved through a key opinion leaders workshop held in September 2011. Attended by over 30 UK experts, drawn from across industry, academia, venture capitalists and the regulatory authorities, the “Forward Look” workshop used a road-mapping approach to gather participant views on the key objectives for the field and the drivers shaping them, the field’s current position, perceived barriers to progress, and the enabling mechanisms required to meet the identified goals. A workshop report that captures and ranks the priorities identified by participants over the course of the two-day meeting can be found here.
‘Forward Look’ Workshop report
The Forward Look also drew upon the findings of the Government-led report 'Taking Stock of Regenerative Medicine in the UK', published July 2011.
2011 UK-China Stem Cell Research Workshop
Held in the UK in September 2011, the workshop brought together UK and Chinese researchers and representatives from the national funding agencies to explore opportunities to strengthen collaborative research between the two countries. The workshop brochure and a selection of the presentations delivered at the workshop can be found here: http://bit.ly/oLveYl
2010 CIRM-MRC Human Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Workshop Report
The MRC and Californian Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) held a joint workshop in 2010 to examine the status of human somatic cell nuclear transfer and its future role in stem cell research. The workshop report summarises the state of the global research effort in this area.
2008 Commercialisation Working Group report
This report covers issues of commercial product development from human embryonic stem cell lines which are deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank. The report proposes a framework for future working of the Steering Committee for the Stem Cell Bank and the Use of Stem Cell Lines. This includes proposals for appropriate mechanisms to accommodate the need for scientific development, appropriate governance of altruistically donated tissues and sustainable commercial product development.
2008 Sciencewise report
This report presents the findings of a series of public workshops and stakeholder interviews on the science and issues surrounding stem cell research. Initiated by the MRC and BBSRC and funded by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills’ Sciencewise programme, the project took place during 2008 and was carried out by the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB).
2008 Stem Cell Research Infrastructure report
This review was undertaken by an MRC expert group in late 2007 to consider the progress of human stem cell research towards applications and the UK’s requirements for research infrastructure to support this goal.
2005 UK Stem Cell Initiative report
This Government commissioned report presents a ten year vision and costed strategy for UK stem cell research for implementation between 2006-2015. The report made 11 recommendations on how the UK can capitalise on its position of strength in stem cell research and ensure that the UK remains one of the global leaders in stem cell research.