Transferring stem cells in the UK
Detailed information on transferring embryonic stem cell lines
between researchers in the UK can be found in the current edition
of 'The Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines'
published by the UK Steering Committee and the MRC.
Although the Steering Committee expects that the Bank will
be the preferred source of stem cell lines, there will be
occasions, such as where lines are unavailable from the bank, when
researchers will wish to access embryonic stem cell lines from
other sources. Researchers wishing to obtain stem cell lines in
this way should inform the Steering Committee by completing the
relevant application form and returning it to the MRC Secretariat
at the address given on the form.
The Steering Committee will need to assure itself that the stem
cell line(s) have been ethically sourced. Information on the
ethical sourcing should be presented to the committee at the time
of application unless the stem cell line(s) were created in the UK
under an HFEA licence, or are listed on the National Institute of
Health (NIH) registry, or have been approved by the Steering
Committee for import or banking.
UK registry of stem cell lines (external link)
NIH Human
Embryonic Stem Cell Registry (external link)
Application forms for transferring stem cells in the UK
Application forms are available in both Word and PDF
versions
Linked files
Application to Use Stem Cell Lines from Sources
within the UK other than the UK Stem Cell Bank [263kb]
Application to Use Stem Cell Lines from Sources
within the UK other than the UK Stem Cell Bank [133kb]