Share this pageThe Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a national not-for-profit that supports four main objectives: funding stem cell and regenerative medicine (RM) research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; enabling knowledge mobilization of research; and enhancing the commercialization readiness of stem cell and RM innovations.
From the lab to the clinic, our goal is to power science that will benefit Canadians and all people. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 7,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2023, the Government of Canada announced additional funding for SCN through the Strategic Science Fund that will support SCN activities and research through to the end of the decade.
Our Strategic Plan
The Stem Cell Network’s new Strategic Plan, Accelerate 2025-2029, aims to not only ‘accelerate’ stem cell and RM research, but to cultivate a vibrant research community, driven by exceptional talent, unwavering excellence, and a shared passion for transformative scientific advances.
The Network’s new vision and mandate emphasizes what matters most: people. Whether reaching people through research, training and mentorship, or directly, due to stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies making their way to patients, the Stem Cell Network remains steadfast in its commitment, across all its endeavours, to make the greatest possible impact for the benefit of all.
Our Vision
Lives transformed by regenerative medicine
Our Mandate
Accelerate regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all
With this strategy, the Stem Cell Network is underscoring that it remains unwavering in its commitment to the Canadian researchers who are driving the stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies of tomorrow forward. As it has throughout its history, SCN will continue fostering a strong, diverse, pan-Canadian research community — a community that is connected by a common vision: to transform lives through regenerative medicine. This vision will be achieved through partnerships, collaboration, and a resolute belief in the excellence of Canadian research and ability to deliver regenerative medicine products to patients.
Our EDI Statement
The best science is inclusive science. The Stem Cell Network is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We value the individual differences, lived experiences, expertise and knowledge of those in our community. We welcome the unique contributions of partners, employees and community members regardless of age, ancestry, culture, gender identity, physical ability, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Together, we are powering regenerative medicine for the benefit of all.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
The work of Canada’s Stem Cell Network occurs from coast to coast and occurs on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of many Indigenous peoples and nations, including the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation where SCN is headquartered. SCN honours, recognizes, and respects these nations as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters where we work and meet.
