Can the Bank undertake independent research on the stem cell lines in its care?
Under its Code of Practice, the Bank is prohibited from conducting research that might be seen to produce a conflict of interest between the distribution of stem cell lines and the free dissemination of information available on them. This includes a prohibition on discovery research such as research on fundamental stem cell biology and that which might result in commercial application. The Bank is encouraged to undertake research approved by the Steering Committee on the characterisation of stem cells, on quality and safety issues and on improvements to current processing and storage protocols.
