Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR)

The Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), a unit of the Institute of Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru, has been established as a collaboration between inStem, the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and the Christian Medical College, Vellore. CSCR is supported by the Department of Biotechnology of the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Mission

CSCR aims to use stem cell science to better understand human diseases and develop novel cell based therapies for some of them through translational research including basic science, animal models for diseases and clinical trials. This will be done through interdisciplinary collaborations working in teams directed at specific themes of research directed at addressing unmet health care needs in the country. It also will provide training and education in stem cell research to help build human capacity in this field.

Goals

• 1. Establish teams of scientists to work in specific themes directed at addressing unmet heathcare
  needs through carefully directed translational research.
• 2. Create cellular and animal models of diseases to test hypothesis generated from understanding of
  those diseases and of stem cell biology.
• 3. Perform early phase clinical trials with stem cells manufactured under current good manufacturing
  practice (GMP) conditions.
• 4. Develop a training program for students and scientists who will contribute to the manpower required
  for this field in the country.

Governance

The Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) has a head appointed by the Director, Christian Medical College that is responsible for the overall management of the Centre. The Head, CSCR is advised by a Core Committee, which is appointed by the Principal, CMC, Vellore. The Core Committee consists of at least four senior faculty members of CMC, Vellore who work on a regular basis in an advisory capacity with the Head, CSCR, particularly for scientific and personnel related issues. The Head, CSCR is the Convener of this committee. The decisions taken by the Core Committee have to be ratified by the Steering Committee. A Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) appointed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) monitors and guides the scientific program at CSCR which is then reported to the Governing Council chaired by the Secretary, DBT, Government of India.

Website : http://www.cscr.in/