The French Society for Stem Cell Research (FSSCR) is a learned society intended to federate the French researchers on stem cells. It was created at its first General Assembly on November 7, 2016 at the Pasteur Institute.
- Why the FSSCR?
There is a general consensus among the community of biologists working of the stem cell field in France for the creation of a French Society for Stem Cell Research.
- Visibility and representativeness
The community of French players working on stem cells is scattered and not visible as such. Internationally, the tasks/posters record of the 2015 ISSCR Stockholm (http://www.ipscell.com/2015/07/countries/) illustrate the weak French representation in international events related to this area. It weakens our funding applications, international profile and, for instance, our involvement in the ISSCR meetings and committees.
A French Society for Stem Cell Research could provide a single interlocutor and representative of the entire community to illuminate, alert and communicate with the Parliament and elected representatives.
- Communication with the public
Stem cells are promising new therapeutic tools that patients are increasingly demanding. As researchers and clinicians in this area, it is important to serve as intermediates between biomedical research and the public, to inform the public in a reasonable way about any scientific advance but also to fight against wild treatments based on stem cells. Communication media exist already (Eurostemcells, ISSCR) and we could act as intermediates in translating and commenting on information and ideas disseminated internationally.
- Promotion of basic and applied research on stem cells
In addition to international visibility, a French company would allow players in the field to better interact and collaborate, share ideas, skills, expertise and tools.
- Organization
We must be inspired on what works elsewhere. When discussing this topic, the boundaries of such a society is raised: “Pluripotent stem cells“, “Stem cells excluding regenerative medicine,” “Cancer stem cells.”
So many “stem cell societies” would be in conflict with the aim of a federative society: gain of clarity and visibility. There is more chance of it working if the society uses the model of other societies that are well established, such as the German (www.gscn.org) or the ISSCR Stem Cell Network (www.isscr.org)
A temporary committee was set up to write a tentative legal form for the future society and to organize the inaugural day. The Bureau and the Board of Directors (CA) of the FSSCR was elected during the Inauguration Day, November 7, 2016 at the Pasteur Institute. The vote and the applications will be opened to all new members and we encourage you to candidate.
- Missions for 2017
The FSSCR tackles several tasks and missions. A few are listed below.
Feel free to send us your suggestions to the following address: info@fsscr.fr
- Prepare the future General Assemblies (that could be coupled with another learned society conference)
- Write the internal rules of the association
- Search for sponsors
- Meet the national research organizations and patient foundations.
- Meet and collaborate with other related academic societies.
- Establish a connection with the ISSCR (International Society for Stem Cell Research)
- Establish a connection with the ABM (Biomedicine Agency)
- Communication
- Provide translated content of ISSCR and EuroStemCell websites.
- Create videos explaining the different types of stem cells for public audience
- Linkedin / Twitter FSSCR
- Establish a list of researchers and themes related to stem cells in France
- Establish a mailing list for FSSCR
- Identify events related to stem cells in the form of a calendar
- Organize a research / public forum