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Basel Stem Cell Network
The Basel Stem Cell Network (BSCN) was formed in 2007 as a bottom-up initiative led by Professor Alois Gratwohl from the University Hospital of Basel and Professor Yves-Alain Barde from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel. Scientists and physicians from the local basic research and medical communities took part in the network. In appreciation of this initiative and of the importance of studies on stem cell biology and stem cell based therapies, the BSCN was officially recognized as the Stem Cell Center of Competence at the University of Basel in 2008.

Purpose
The last decade witnessed groundbreaking scientific and technological developments in stem cell research. The importance of these developments was recently acknowledged by the awarding of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Medicine to Sir John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka, two pioneers in stem cell research. The major progress in this research field has also raised high expectations in modern society, that novel therapies for regenerative medicine will soon be developed.

Network
The BSCN is an assembly of scientists from research institutions at the University of Basel’s faculties of science and medicine together with the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of the ETH Zurich in Basel (D-BSSE) and the pharmaceutical industry at Novartis and Roche. Within the BSCN there is internationally recognized expertise in research on germ-line and embryonic stem cells, the hematopoietic system, neuronal stem cells, and tissue engineering with artificial matrices. Research in these areas is supported by extensive knowledge about cell growth and differentiation, organ development, epigenetics, and cuttingedge molecular technologies. The network maintains strong links with the local pharmaceutical industry, which is developing an increasing interest for regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells in drug screening. Groups addressing ethical, legal and regulatory issues related to stem cell studies complement the interdisciplinary character of research within the network.

Activities
Activities at the BSCN are primary channeled towards exchange of information and knowledge through series of lectures and meetings which involve experts available in Basel and internationally. The network aims at exploiting the unique opportunities resulting from the close proximity of clinicians and basic researchers working in Basel in addressing a wide range of important questions related to stem cells. A further goal of the network is to educate and train young scientists at doctoral and postdoctoral levels.

Direction
Professor Aleksandra Wodnar-Filipowicz is the coordinator and Professor Antoine Peters is the chairman of the Steering Committee of the BSCN.