About the NSCB

The National Stem Cell Bank (NSCB) is a repository for the pluripotent stem cells lines listed on the NIH Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Registry. These cells were derived prior to August 2001 using excess IVF embryos and were eligible for use in federally funded research under previous presidential policy. The eligibility of these lines will not be known until the NIH issues final stem cell guidelines in July 2009. The goal of the NSCB is to grow, characterize and distribute the cell lines listed on the registry, and to provide comprehensive technical support to stem cell researchers around the world.

The NSCB is led by Drs. Derek Hei, a scientist and director of the Waisman Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility on the UW-Madison campus, and James Thomson, a world-renowned researcher and professor of developmental biology.

The NSCB Scientific Advisory Board provides guidance on NSCB policies and decisions regarding resource utilization and scientific direction. The board is chaired by Dr. Ron McKay of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and includes representation from all providers who have deposited cell lines in the NSCB, as well as others from the human embryonic stem cell research community. Jack Harding, NIH, is the NSCB Scientific Officer and Dr. Sue O'Shea, University of Michigan, is the vice chair.


More Information:

Cell Line Providers

The National Stem Cell Bank (PDF) - Article in the WiCell™ Journal of Stem Cell Discovery, Winter 2006




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