Code of Practice for the Generation and Use of Human Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models

The 'Code of Practice for the Generation and Use of Human Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models' (SCBEM Code of Practice), published jointly by Cambridge Reproduction and PET, supports the development of best practice for the generation and use of human stem-cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) in the UK.

Research involving SCBEMs has enormous potential to improve human knowledge and health, but clearer governance is needed to help researchers work responsibly and maintain public trust. The SCBEM Code of Practice addresses this need. It sets out core principles for researchers working with SCBEMs, clarifies relevant scientific and ethical considerations, and provides the foundation for a broader system of governance that Cambridge Reproduction and PET are now working to establish.

The SCBEM Code of Practice takes into account an extensive range of expert and lay perspectives gathered by our Project Team and Working Group over the past year. We propose that UK researchers, funders, research organisations, professional societies and publishers adopt the Code. The Code has been designed specifically for use within the UK's regulatory system, but people working on SCBEMs in other countries are invited to use the Code in addition to adhering to local regulations as required.

Download the SCBEM Code of Practice.

If you have any queries about the SCBEM Code of Practice, or if you would like to collaborate with PET on follow-up work, please contact us.