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Stem Cell Research

FSU is committed to the ethical and responsible conduct of research involving federally-approved human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). FSU’s Policy for the Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) (Policy 7A-30) is applicable to all non-human subjects research, as determined by the Human Subjects Research Committee (HSRC), involving hESCs conducted at FSU by its employees and/or involving use of its facilities. The Vice President for Research has determined that the restrictions imposed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on research funded by NIH grants are sufficient for those researchers funded for hESC research by the NIH. Any cases of non-NIH funded hESC research may require additional review based on funding agency requirements.

All research involving hESCs that constitutes human subjects research, as defined under applicable HSRC policies and procedures, shall be reviewed by the HSRC and shall not fall within the jurisdiction of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee (HESRAC) established by the Policy. The HESRAC functions as the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee for FSU, and reports to the Vice President for Research.

Policy

Policy 7A-30 - Policy for the Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Application Procedures

APPLICATION FORM

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Application for Derivation and/or Use of hESCs

Material Transfer Agreements

A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is required for both incoming and outgoing materials. A MTA typically is required when human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are received or shared between FSU researchers and other academic or industry partners. Contact Mary Sechrist, Director of Research Compliance Programs (m.sechrist@fsu.edu) to begin the MTA process. Stem cells may not be obtained until after the appropriate agreements are in place.

HESRAC Committee Members

Richard Nowakowski, Committee Chair
Randolph L. Rill Professor and Department Chair
Department of Biomedical Sciences
rsnowakowski@fsu.edu 
(850) 644-9219

Hengli Tang
Professor
Department of Biological Science

Jonathan Dennis
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Science

Educational Resources

  • NIH-Supported Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Projects
  • StemBook: A collection of invited, original, peer-reviewed chapters on stem cell biology written by top researchers in the field at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and worldwide. StemBook is aimed at stem cell and non-specialist researchers.

Additional Resources

 

Contact Us

Mary Sechrist, Director
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1330
m.sechrist@fsu.edu
research-compliance@fsu.edu