• About the bank
• Stem cell catalogue
• Depositing stem cell lines
• Obtaining stem cell lines
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• Research and development
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• Frequently asked questions
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• Reasons for using the bank
• Application form to deposit stem cells
• Standard Materials Deposit agreement
• Notes for depositors
• Cell line information form
• Code of practice for the use of human stem cell lines
• Contact information

Depositing stem cell lines

For researchers deriving human embryonic stem cell lines in the UK, it is a condition of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) licence that a sample of all human embryonic stem cell lines derived in the UK must be deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank.

The Steering Committee encourages the deposition of human embryonic stem cell lines derived outside the UK, as well as somatic stem cell lines derived in the UK or abroad, provided they fulfil the criteria laid down by the committee.  Details of the criteria applied by the Steering Committee and examples of the types of stem cell line that may be deposited are given in the Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines.  Further information on the suitability of stem cells for deposit in the Bank may also be obtained by email.

The UK Stem Cell Bank does not approve applications to deposit. This is done by the Steering Committee.  Applications must be submitted to the UK Steering Committee via the MRC Secretariat set up for this purpose and not to the Bank.  Details on where applications must be sent and the supporting information which must accompany the application can be found on the application form.

The application form is available below or can be downloaded from the MRC website.

Once the application has been approved by the Steering Committee the process of accessioning the stem cell line will begin.  The Bank will contact you once the letter of acceptance has been sent to you by the MRC Secretariat.  If you have not heard from the Bank within 5 working days of receiving your acceptance letter please contact the Bank at the email address given below.

Applicants will be required to sign a Materials Deposit Agreement (MDA) with the Bank and complete its Cell Line Information form.  It is in the interests of both the Bank and the depositor that any discussions pertaining to the MDA are completed expeditiously.  Whilst the cell line can be taken into the Bank and even, in certain cases, cultured to produce the cell banks required, no cells can be released for use without a signed agreement.

A practical guide:  Notes to Researchers –Depositing Stem Cells in the UK Stem Cell Bank can be downloaded here.