CA20140 - CorEuStem: The European Network for Stem Cell Core Facilities (CorEuStem)

Biomedical research has significantly advanced in the recent years thanks, in part, to the discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), the development of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and the possibility of generating specific differentiation systems and more complex in vitro organ-like structures called organoids. These technologies have become key players in investigating disease modelling, embryology and for novel regenerative therapeutic approaches that currently enter first clinical trials. Core facilities in European research centers and universities providing services in these fields are becoming a reference hub for know-how for these technologies. Furthermore, they establish initial quality control standards and homogenize procedures to enhance reproducibility in biomedical research. However, one of the major challenges for core facilities is to keep track of all advancements in cutting-edge technologies. New protocols, reagents and tools continuously develop and need to be tested. Isolated technical platforms cannot follow the fast-moving technology pace. Therefore, there is an urgent need to join forces and link these core facilities to harmonize methodologies used to increase the overall reproducibility of the results produced in different labs, from different institutions within Europe and to increase their impact. CorEuStem is composed of experts in stem cell, differentiation, organoids and gene editing technologies with the aim of joining forces and establishing the first European network for harmonizing procedures and protocols, to organise joint training schools for implementing new cutting-edge technologies emerging in the field and to become a reference point in stem cells, differentiation, organoids and gene editing in Europe and beyond.