About Us

The Scottish Stem Cell Network (SSCN) was launched in 2003 initially as a pilot project with support from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian.

We aim to bring together scientists and clinicians in order to improve the rate at which laboratory research translates into therapeutic benefits for patients.

Moving towards being a membership organisation based in Edinburgh, SSCN works with the entire stem cell community in Scotland, including academic institutions, clinical and industry-based research groups. We provide a forum for discussion and learning, which is critical for the development of this exciting new technology.

A major role of the Network is to provide international organisations with easy access to stem cell researchers in Scotland, to engage with the general public and inform open debate at home and abroad.

Following the success of our first international conference Stem Cells 2005, which attracted 300 delegates from over 18 countries, we intend to host biennial international conferences in Edinburgh.

Now a company limited by guarantee with a Board of Directors, SSCN has secured £1.85 million funding from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian over the next ten years. This will enable us to increase our activity with members and promote the commercial potential of Scotland's world class stem cell research activity.

For more information on the work of SSCN over the last year, download our Annual Review.