Commentary: Asian-Pacific researchers and officials form stem-cell network

November 12, 2007

Stem cell researchers and government officials from eight countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region have established a formal network. Named SNAP (for Stem cell Network of the Asia-Pacific region), the network includes representatives from Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Its purpose is to foster opportunities for young scientists, establish deeper collaborations across scientists in the region, and provide an authoritative source of information to the public.

SNAP will concentrate initially on providing opportunities for skill- and career-building for young scientists, many of whom face difficulties in traveling to workshops or symposia held in other regions of the world. The network will also seek to increase visibility of its members’ stem cell labs and research achievements through a website. (Nature Reports Stem Cells)