Stem Cell Research: New Hope from the Laboratory to the Bedside

Medical science is in the business of hope. From the discoveries in the laboratory to their delivery to the bedside, improving the lives of families everywhere is the goal - something the researchers and physician-scientists at the University of Kansas and its Medical Center take very seriously.

The discoveries in stem cell research are one of the reasons that we stand at the forefront of a new era in medicine. There is growing scientific evidence that stem cells, whether they are derived from adult tissues or the earliest cellular forms, hold great promise in the effort to cure disease and save lives. However, the science of stem cell research can only deliver hope if it thrives in a supportive environment.

A cornerstone of the University of Kansas Medical Center's mission is to discover new knowledge in the quest for life saving cures. This requires an environment that supports discovery - both internally and externally.

As with every major medical breakthrough, stem cell research is not without controversy. In fact, it has become one of the most contentious issues facing the research, teaching, ethics, and public policy communities. There are many differing opinions on how research should be conducted on stem cells. As a result, a robust dialogue has ensued across the state of Kansas and in the halls of our state and federal legislatures.

To support well-informed decision making, the University of Kansas Medical Center as a teaching and research institution hopes to serve as a resource for scientifically-based information on all types of stem cell research. The purpose of KUMC's Stem Cell Research 101 website is to provide a thoughtful and reasoned resource on all types of stem cell research. We hope the citizens of Kansas and anyone interested will turn to this site to develop a better understanding of stem cell research and its promise.