International Stem Cell Initiative
About
Established in 2003 under the auspices of the International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF), the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI) is a high-level collaborative network of international laboratories. Our primary focus is to reach a global consensus on the fundamental criteria, techniques, and quality control measures required for the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in both basic research and clinical applications.
Why ISCI Exists
In the early days of stem cell research, laboratories across the globe used vastly different methods to derive, culture, and characterise cell lines. This lack of uniformity made it difficult to compare results and raised concerns about the safety, reproducibility, and genetic stability of cells destined for human therapy.
ISCI was formed to bridge these gaps. By uniting expertise from over a dozen countries, we have successfully moved the field from fragmented discovery toward a standardised scientific framework.
Previous ISCI Studies
ISCI has performed large-scale, multi-centre studies that addressed the most pressing questions in the field:
- ISCI-1: Identity & Benchmarking – We conducted the first large-scale comparison of 59 human embryonic
stem cell (hESC) lines worldwide, identifying a universal set of markers that define "stemness" regardless
of a cell's laboratory of origin.
doi: 10.1038/nbt1318 - ISCI-2: Genetic Integrity – As cells are grown in culture, they can undergo genetic changes. ISCI-2
focused on identifying common chromosomal abnormalities, helping labs worldwide monitor the safety and
stability of their cell lines over time.
https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt.2051 - ISCI-3: Functional Potential – This phase focused on the "pluripotency" of cells—their ability to
turn into any cell type in the body—and developed standardised assays to measure this potential accurately.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-04011-3
Our Current Focus
Under the current leadership, ISCI has sharpened its focus on the genetic integrity of human pluripotent stem cells. As these cells are scaled up for clinical use, they can acquire mutations that provide a selective advantage—a process known as "culture adaptation." Our current efforts include:
- (Epi)genetic stability of hPSCs: By understanding the (epi)genetic determinants that influence cell population dynamics, we aim to establish the definitive benchmarks for safety and reproducibility in research and manufacturing.
- Supporting New Approach Methodologies (NAMs):Working towards the quality standards required for stem-cell-derived models to reliably mimic human physiology, supporting their adoption in drug screening and as human-relevant alternatives to animal testing.
- Serving as a Technical Resource: By synthesising data from international pilot studies, we provide the scientific evidence that supports the harmonisation efforts of regulatory bodies and international societies, ensuring a unified approach to cell quality and safety.
ISCI Steering Committee
The International Stem Cell Initiative is guided by a Steering Group of world-renowned experts in stem cell biology, genetics, and bioengineering. This committee provides the strategic oversight necessary to harmonise global research efforts and establish robust standards for the scientific community.
The initiative is currently chaired by Professor Ivana Barbaric (University of Sheffield, UK), a leader in the study of the genetic stability and fitness of human pluripotent stem cells.
Committee Members
- Professor Ivana Barbaric (Chair) – University of Sheffield, UK
- Professor Peter Andrews – University of Sheffield, UK
- Professor Nissim Benvenisty – Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Dr Melissa Carpenter – Carpenter Group Consulting, USA
- Dr Jonathan Draper – Stem Cell Network, Canada
- Dr Tenneille Ludwig – WiCell Research Institute, USA
- Professor Martin Pera – The Jackson Laboratory, USA
- Dr Nika Shakiba – University of British Columbia, Canada
- Professor Claudia Spits – Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Dr Glyn Stacey – International Stem Cell Banking Initiative (ISCBI)
- Dr Florian Merkle – University of Cambridge, UK
- Dr Yoji Sato – National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Japan
A Message from the Chair
"Our goal is to ensure that the incredible potential of stem cell science is built on a foundation of rigorous, reproducible, and safe standards. By understanding how these cells change in the lab, we can better control their behaviour in the clinic." — Professor Ivana Barbaric
Meetings and Events
To maximise international participation and facilitate collaboration with global stakeholders, our primary annual meeting is held as a satellite event of the ISSCR Annual Meeting.
Save the Date: Joint ISCI-ISCBI Annual Meeting
Montreal, Canada | Sunday, July 12, 2026
The International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI) and the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative (ISCBI) will host their 2026 Joint Annual Meeting in Montreal, immediately following the ISSCR Annual Meeting.
This joint summit serves as the global forum for aligning technical research benchmarks with the rigorous quality systems required for stem cell banking and clinical translation. A detailed programme and registration links will be available in Spring 2026.