PET was pleased to see an article in CNN discussing the latest developments surrounding stem-cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs). The article discusses and links to publications including the SCBEM Code of Practice, which is published jointly by PET and Cambridge Reproduction.
The CNN article also discusses imminent updates to guidance on SCBEMs from the International Society for Stem Cell Research, and cites several of the experts with whom PET met recently in Switzerland to discuss ethical and regulatory aspects of SCBEMs. The event in Switzerland was entitled 'Research With Human Stem-Cell-Based Embryo Models: Defining Ethical Boundaries', and was held on the shore of Lake Geneva amid the beautiful surroundings of the Brocher Foundation.
Sarah Norcross and Sandy Starr – respectively, director and deputy director of PET (pictured above) – were among a group of experts from around the world who participated in the Brocher Foundation event, ranging from cutting-edge laboratory researchers to scholars and practitioners at the forefront of bioethics, law, philosophy and public engagement.
Sarah and Sandy gave a joint presentation in which they discussed the SCBEM Code of Practice and the public dialogue on SCBEMs that informed the Code. They also discussed research – commissioned by PET and conducted by Ipsos – published in summary form in the PET report Fertility, Genomics and Embryo Research: Public Attitudes and Understanding.
Professor Roger Sturmey, who chaired the Working Group that produced the SCBEM Code of Practice, gave a presentation of his own at the Brocher Foundation event focusing on the Code. Other speakers included a further member of the Working Group, Dr Naomi Moris, who had previously discussed SCBEMs alongside Sandy at an event at the Science Museum in London.