• About the bank
• Stem cell catalogue
• Depositing stem cell lines
• Obtaining stem cell lines
• Ordering other products
• Patent depositary service
• Research and development
• Cord blood banking
• News update
• Frequently asked questions
• Links
• Codes of practice
• Contact us

• How to access human stem cell lines from the UK Stem cell Bank
• Application form to access human stem cells from the UK Stem Cell Bank
• Charging schedule
• UKSCB Materials Access Agreement
• Transportation and Storage of Stem Cell Lines
• Transfer of human embryonic stem cell lines between scientists in the UK
• Import and export of human embryonic stem cell Lines into and out of the UK
• Code of practice for the use of human stem cell lines
• Contact information

The Transfer of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Between Scientists in the UK

Detailed information on transferring embryonic stem cell lines between researchers in the UK can be found in the current edition of The Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines published by the UK Steering Committee and the MRC.

Although the Steering Committee expects that the Bank will be the preferred source of stem cell lines, there will be occasions, such as where lines are unavailable from the Bank, when researchers will wish to access embryonic stem cell lines from other sources.  Researchers wishing to obtain stem cell lines in this way should inform the Steering Committee by completing the relevant application form and returning it to the MRC Secretariat at the address given on the form.

The Steering Committee will need to assure itself that the stem cell line(s) have been ethically sourced.  Information on ethical sourcing should be presented to the committee at the time of application unless the stem cell line(s) were created in the UK under an HFEA licence, or are listed on the National Institute of Health (NIH) registry, or have previously been approved by the Steering Committee for import or banking.  A list of lines already approved for use in the UK is available on the MRC website (SC Lines Register).

Application to Use Stem Cells from Sources in the UK other than the UKSCB

Application forms should be returned to the MRC Secretariat at the address given on the form.