Revisions to GIM 36 Human Embryo and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Policy and Guidelines
UW’s policy governing human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research has been changed to include oversight of research involving human embryo models and human gametes. View ESCRO Changes for an overview of recent changes to the policy.
Purpose
The ESCRO program assures the compliant and ethical conduct of research involving human gametes, human embryos, human embryo models, and the development and study of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their pluripotent derivatives (“covered research”).
Policies and Guidance
The University of Washington believes that such covered research is essential to expanding fundamental scientific knowledge of cellular and developmental human biology. The University has further concluded that such research offers significant potential to develop treatments for many serious and debilitating human diseases, disorders, and health conditions, including genetic diseases, tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, degenerative diseases such as heart disease, and various diseases of the nervous system and other organs.
It is the University’s policy to permit and encourage qualified investigators to engage in responsible and ethical research involving covered research.
University Policy GIM 36 on Human Embryo and Stem Cell (hESC) Research is the governing policy for UW hESC researchers and is based on the following guidance and policy:
- NIH Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research
- Executive Order, March 9, 2009
- National Academies of Science (NAS) Stem Cell Information Guidelines and Amendments
- International Society for Stem Cell Research, known as the ISSCR Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation
Human Embryo and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee
ESCRO Committee members are appointed by, and serve as advisors to, the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. ESCRO Committee membership reflects the scientific, medical, and ethical expertise necessary to review hESC research applications and includes unaffiliated community members from the public.
The ESCRO Committee’s review shall be specific to the scientific and ethical issues presented by proposals to use human gametes, human embryos, human embryo models, and the development and study of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) and their pluripotent derivatives in covered research in particular research projects. ESCRO Committee review and approval shall be deemed to be separate from, and in addition to, any other reviews or approvals otherwise required at the UW for such research, including but not limited to committees or administrative offices having responsibility for review and approvals of human subjects research, animal research, biological safety, radioactive materials, and environmental safety.
View our ESCRO Committee information on the Committee’s membership, responsibilities, review standards, conflicts of interest, and coordination with UW’s IRB.
UW Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
The UW Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) has been established for the purpose of facilitating and encouraging basic research on hESCs to develop therapies and cures for human disease. In making decisions about policies and procedures governing the conduct of hESC research, the UW and the ESCRO Committee will provide reasonable opportunities for investigators who are part of ISCRM to express their views on such matters and consider such views in making decisions. The ESCRO Committee and ISCRM will strive to cooperate in establishing efficient mechanisms for the review of hESC research proposals and the training of hESC research investigators.
Policy, Regulation, and Guidance
- GIM-36
- ESCRO Changes
- ESCRO Committee
- ESCRO Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Guidelines
- Funding and Facilities Guidelines