By Geoffrey P. Lomax, Dr.PH., Erik J. Forsberg, Ph.D., Dan Gincel, Ph.D., Debra S. Grega, Ph.D., Melissa J. Lopes, J.D.,
Caroline J. Marshall, Ph.D., Stefan Winkler, Ph.D., and Warren Wollschlager, Ph.D.

The Interstate Alliance on Stem Cell Research (IASCR) is a voluntary body whose mission is to advance stem cell research by fostering effective interstate collaboration, by assisting states in developing research programs, and by promoting efficient and responsible use of public funds. The IASCR was formed in 2007 by the organizers of Connecticut’s Stem Cell Research International Symposium. The original objective was to facilitate coordination among U.S. states that wish to advance stem cell research. The IASCR provides a forum for information exchange and collaborative planning in an attempt to facilitate the sharing resources and to support the efficient development of research programs. Because stem cell research is an international endeavor, the IASCR includes other affiliates jurisdictions and organizations that have established collaborations with U.S. states. The National Academies of Sciences serves as the secretariat.