Research Library

Analyzing over 2,800 articles from the top journals that include stem cell research in their publications, this study demonstrates the globalization of stem cell science.

In a recent commentary, Baker Institute science and technology policy experts described two international court cases that aimed to define “research” — and that ultimately arrived at two different answers. “What makes this interesting is that the courts’ definition of ‘research’ was based on politics — what the court wanted the end result to be,” said Kirstin Matthews, the institute’s fellow in science and technology policy. To reach a decision prohibiting human embryonic stem cell (hESC) patents, the EU court ruled that “research” occurs in a continuum. To reach a decision supporting federal funding of stem cell research, the U.S. court ruled that “research” involves a specific project.

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides an update on recent publications covering international stem cell policy, civic scientists, and recommendations for the Obama administration on science and technology policy.

The United States should assign a particularly high priority on science and technology over the next four years, especially for federal support of research.

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides an update on the Civic Scientist Lecture Series, as well as recent publications on the current state of stem cell research in the U.S. and NASA's relationship with nanotechnology.

Despite the political nature of stem cell research, this area of science continues to flourish in the United States. In 2011, the NIH funded approximately US$1.2 billion in stem cell research — a steady increase from past years — with US$123 million devoted to human embryonic stem cells. According to the ISI Web of Science, more than 4,000 U.S.-authored stem cell publications were produced in 2011, accounting for approximately 38 percent of the world total. Approximately one-quarter of these publications were collaborations with authors from other countries.

The Science and Technology Policy Program provides an update on featured events on stem cell policy and personalized medicine.

An introduction to stem cells and their potential uses.

In the face of a persistent decline and stagnation in research and development funding, scientists and engineers must devote more time and effort toward keeping the economic and societal value of science in the public and advocate for it to hold a higher standing in the federal budget. Published in vol. 2, issue 1, of The Journal of Science Policy and Governance.