About Us
The East of England Stem Cell Network was formed as a virtual organisation in 2004. It was initially funded by a three year grant from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) with a remit to facilitate and encourage collaboration and interaction between those from the academic, clinical and commercial sectors with an interest in stem cell science in this region.
In 2007 the network was established as a not-for-profit company, managed by ERBI, the region’s biotech industry organisation. It also won a further round of grant funding from EEDA in order to continue delivering a programme of networking and knowledge transfer activities.
The East of England is an acknowledged centre of excellence in all aspects of stem cell research. As well as the location of Cambridge University’s Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research and the UK Stem Cell Bank, it contains expertise across the fields of developmental biology, epigenetics, clinical translation of research into practice and the ethics and regulation of stem cell technology.
EESCN's goal is to promote innovation in stem cell research and its applications, and establish the East of England as a global leader in this field.
The network aims to achieve this goal by:
- Facilitating knowledge transfer and encouraging collaboration between all those with an interest in stem cell research and its applications in the East of England.
- Addressing the social, regulatory and legal implications of stem cell technology and providing relevant perspectives for those undertaking research in this field.
- Providing a single point of contact for all those with a potential interest in stem cell research, its applications and implications.
- Developing and contributing to an environment that encourages stem cell research and new investment in this region.
- Working with other partner organisations, including patient groups, to promote the importance and need for stem cell research, both within the eastern region and on a national and international level.
Benefits of EESCN Membership
- Opportunities for knowledge transfer and collaboration between clinical, commercial and academic scientists in order to support the advancement of stem cell science
- Be kept informed on fundamental aspects of stem cell science
- Access to the latest news and developments in stem cell science and policy
- Direct interaction with scientific experts, through dedicated seminars and conferences
- Networking between professionals across the fields of stem cell biology, medicine, law, policy, education and business development
- Priority booking for network events
- Access to the members area of the EESCN web-site
