(January 22, 2026, Ottawa) As we enter this new year, the Stem Cell Network is celebrating an extraordinary milestone – 25 years of transforming lives through regenerative medicine! For a quarter century, the Stem Cell Network has played a distinct, nationally unifying role: supporting world-class regenerative medicine research, advancing clinical translation, training the next generation of talent, and strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in the field.

Since 2001, SCN has funded over 280 research projects and 30 clinical trials, driven by experts from more than 350 research groups across the country. Over that time, more than 28 biotechnology companies have been catalyzed or strengthened, and over 7,900 highly qualified personnel have been trained. Taken together, these efforts have helped move regenerative medicine discoveries from the lab to the clinic for the benefit of patients.

To mark this milestone, we are launching a year-long 25th anniversary celebration that reflects both our impact to date and celebrates the remarkable people at the heart of SCN. These celebrations include:

• An “SCN at 25” Impact Report, showcasing Canada’s leadership in regenerative medicine and the collective impact of SCN-funded research.
• The launch of SCN’s “25 for 25” Silver Anniversary Awards, recognizing the champions of Canada’s regenerative medicine community and individuals whose contributions have helped shape the Stem Cell Network over the past 25 years.
• A newly launched website, designed to spotlight the groundbreaking regenerative medicine research taking place across Canada and the people driving it forward.
• The launch of a commemorative 25th anniversary logo.

We will close our anniversary year by coming together in person for a 25^th anniversary “birthday party” at the Till & McCulloch Meetings, taking place in Vancouver from November 9–11, 2026. This special gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the community, collaborations, and shared achievements that have defined SCN for the past 25 years. We hope you’ll join us to mark this milestone together and look ahead to the next chapter of regenerative medicine in Canada!