1. Presentation of Academy 3/2001 viestintä/g:/kalvot/Saesittely eng2001 - 1 Eero Vuorio 07.01.2003 Stem Cell Research in Finland The scene: –A permissive legislation (similar to that in Sweden) –A permissive atmosphere towards stem cell research (little public opposition) –Possibilities to obtain spare embryos for embryonic stem cell cultures (IVF units at public hospitals and several private infertility clinics) –Only a small number of scientists currently work on stem cells

2. Presentation of Academy 3/2001 viestintä/g:/kalvot/Saesittely eng2001 - 2 Funding of basic and applied research –The Academy of Finland - basic research –National technology agency (Tekes) - applied research –Private foundations (Sigrid Juselius Foundation) Targeted funding for stem cell research (both embryonic and somatic) has been provided through research programmes and technology programmes –Only a small number of applications received (and funded) Stem Cell Research in Finland

3. Presentation of Academy 3/2001 viestintä/g:/kalvot/Saesittely eng2001 - 3 Examples of research carried out in Finland –Three embryonic stem cell lines established recently –Several research projects on adult stem cells (especially mesenchymal stem cells and skeletal repair - tissue engineering using stem cells and bioactive scaffolds) –Characterisation of stem cell lines by cDNA microarrays (Swedish-Finnish collaboration) Stem Cell Research in Finland

4. Presentation of Academy 3/2001 viestintä/g:/kalvot/Saesittely eng2001 - 4 The overall research base in stem cell research is quite thin and the expertise is restricted to a few scientists Good possibilities for researcher training and dissemination of new information: an efficient network of graduate schools Permissive legislation & overall atmosphere Possibility to target funding for stem cell research, but -> we need international co-operation Stem Cell Research in Finland

5. Presentation of Academy 3/2001 viestintä/g:/kalvot/Saesittely eng2001 - 5 Other recent initiatives/activities: –Swedish-Finnish collaboration –An ESF/EMRC EUROCORE initiative (Development of a stem cell tool-box) on stem cell research –A partnership between JDRF, Academy of Finland and the Sigrid Juselius Foundation Stem Cell Research in Finland