Policy, Law and Ethics
The issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research have generated much debate amongst a number of groups including social scientists, lawyers and ethicists. This section contains the latest developments in the national and international regulation of stem cell research and surrounding issues.
January 2008: Article by EESCN Director Julian Hitchcock in Cambridge Network's Biolines column on the future of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.
2008: Publications from the Centre for Biomedicine and Society at King's College London. The Centre's Co-Director is Professor Brian Salter, and much of their research has focussed on stem cell science. Details of research and publications.
October 2006: Global Biopolitics Working Papers. Working papers by the research group led by Professor Brian Salter on ethical, political and economic aspects of stem cell technology are available as PDFs from the group's website. Topics include:
- The global politics of human embryonic stem cell science
- Stem cell research, biopolitics and globalization
- Bioethics, patenting and the governance of human embryonic stem cell science: the European case
- Embryos, cell lines, oocytes: ESC science and the human tissue market
October 2006: An article in the journal Regenerative Medicine by Professor Brian Salter and colleagues at the University of East Anglia on the emergence of China as key player in the stem cell biomedicine field and its commercial, regulatory and ethical environment. A PDF of the full text of this article can be found here.
May 2006: A new and updated edition of the Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park briefing paper on the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Stem Cell Research and Therapy, is now available as PDF. The updated paper includes the the legislative and regulatory developments that have occured over the past year, since the first addition was published.
May 2006: EU funding of human embryonic stem cell research: the saga continues Click on the link to read an article by Dr Alison Stewart (Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park) on the continuing EU debate on the funding of hES cell research. Originally published in the Cambridge Network's Biolines column.
April 2006: Marks and Clerk Biotechnology Report 2006 exploring worldwide patent activity related to stem cell technology, RNA interference and genetic diagnostic testing released. Click on the link for more information or contact Michelle Brown at mbrown@marks-clerk.com for a copy of the full report.
April 2005: Click on the link to read an article by Mills and Reeve on the legal aspects of setting up a stem cell business in the UK, originally published in the Cambridge Network's Biolines column. The Embryonic Stem Cell Business Cambridge wants to lead the world in stem cell research and has the expertise to do so. Julian Hitchcock, Senior Solicitor at M&R Life Sciences, considers the legal advantages and disadvantages of setting up a stem cell business in the UK.
March 2005: Click on the link to read the latest Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park briefing paper on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Stem Cell Research and Therapy. This report aims to present a critical summary of the major debates and policy responses relating to ES cell research and to provide an analysis of the key ethical and regulatory implications for stem cell therapy. Please contact us at info@eescn.org.uk if you would like additional copies of this report.
March 2005: Use the link below to read an article by Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park on the ethics of stem cell research originally published in the Cambridge Network's Biolines column. Stem Cell Ethics and Regulation: Thinking beyond the embryo Stem cells are in the news but the regulation of stem cell therapy is a minefield.
November 2004: Use the link to read a commentary by Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park on the impact of the Human Tissue Bill on scientific research in the UK.
December 2003: Use the link below to read an article by Cambridge Genetics Knowledge Park on EU funding for stem cell research originally published on the Cambridge Network's Biolines column. EU Funding of Stem Cell Research: Will the battle soon be resolved? 'Oh yes it is! - oh no it's not!' - the EU is still attempting to decide whether EU money can be used to fund human embryonic stem cell research.
