Our Research
Building on a long legacy of Canadian leadership in stem cell science, SCN is playing a pivotal role in its future by ensuring a vibrant Canadian stem cell research community.
SCN research focuses on reducing the “translational gap” between basic research and clinical applications. In Canada, research on development and preclinical issues is generally too late for academic grants and too early for industry sponsorship, especially in emerging areas of science such as stem cell research.
Through targeted research funding, strong research program management, and an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration, SCN acts as the core catalyst for the work of a community of Canadian scientists, ethicists, engineers, clinicians and entrepreneurs who are advancing potential therapeutic applications through early phase clinical trials.
SCN Strategic Programs
The SCN research portfolio includes four Strategic Programs. These cover areas in which Canada is internationally competitive and can have a significant impact through strategic investment.
Strategic Program 1: Cellular Therapeutics
This program promotes development of novel cell-based approaches for tissue repair and regeneration within specific disease models. Theme Leader: Dr Denis Claude Roy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont.
Strategic Program 2: Pharmacological Applications
This program focuses on developing novel stem cell-related therapeutics based, for example, on stem cell activation, self-renewal and/or differentiation. Theme Leader: Dr Sam Weiss, University of Calgary.
Strategic Program 3: Technology Development
This program is aimed at generating novel technologies for stem cell related research and therapeutics which would enable Program I & II research. Theme Leader: Dr Jamie Piret, University of British Columbia.
Strategic Program 4: Public Policy and Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
As with many emerging areas of biotechnology, stem cell research raises complex questions and issues. This program addresses the public policy implications of Strategic Programs 1, 2 and 3, as well as other issues relevant to the SCN mandate. Theme Leader: Tim Caulfield, University of Alberta.