The Steps Leading to Development of Stem Cell Sciences and Technologies in Iran: The Path Towards Future

Background and Aim: Stem cell technology was started in Iran in the late of 1990 by first hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Tehran University of Medical Sciences and in less than a decade, Royan Institute started stem cell research followed by infertility treatment. Since then, different universities and research centers have focused on stem cells and regenerative medicine which resulted in publishing more than 2500 articles in journals indexed in PubMed as well as creating new ideas. The council of stem cell sciences and technologies in the vice presidency for science and technology started its activity ten years ago, with the aim of expanding education, research and development of human resources. Scientific opportunities in this field have been created by the integration of government and scientific communities.During this time, by the financial and spiritual support given by this center, research projects were carried out in more than 45 universities and institutes. Four Centers of Excellence for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine has been established in Royan, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Tehran to integrate scientific capacities human resources and laboratory equipment. Student Olympiads were held at the high school level, and the establishment of Student Research Centers in three provinces can be considered as the most influential activities for stem cell council. In recent years, recognizing the importance of promoting the culture of a knowledge-based economy, stem cell council also seeks to strengthen the knowledge-based companies by supporting and guidance of researchers and investors, as it has caused the number to increase to more than 75 titles.The council of stem cell sciences and technologies also organized two national festival and international congress, 70 symposiums, and several workshops to spread stem cell sciences and technology among the public. The first social network and science-specific messenger, across the country, has been launched in 2017 by the stem cell council promotion. The application as mentioned above would be a platform which can provide effective interactions among specialists in the field of stem cell sciences. Animal lab network is the other supported project by stem cell council. It gives an opportunity for the researchers to use various animal models and facilitate in vivo studies. Finally, the collaboration between Iran stem cell council and Iran FDA has led to the developmentof products regulations. In this regard, four cell-based products were licensed to enter the market. Now Iran is the first rank among Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East countries. The issues mentioned are part of the mission of the stem cell council which has been carried out until now.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stem cells ، Transplantation ، Stem cell council ، Cell-based products