Stem cell communication tailored for citizens and stakeholders
The predecessor EUROSTEMCELL project gathered researchers from Europe's leading stem cell labs to develop methodologies, media and tools to benefit the whole research community. A training and networking programme helped build a strong European base for stem cell research. The initiative also introduced novel approaches to public engagement. The EU-funded EUROSTEMCELL (European consortium for communicating stem cell research) continued where its forerunner left off by focusing entirely on the communication of stem cell research, rather than research itself. To engage with the public about stem cell science and related ethical and societal issues, project partners brought together over 90 stem cell and regenerative medicine labs across Europe. This was done in a coordinated effort involving five related Sixth and Seventh Framework Programme projects, eight globally recognised European stem cell research centres and the European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network. EUROSTEMCELL partnered scientists with clinicians, ethicists, social scientists, policymakers and science communicators, and collaborated with educators and patient representatives. They helped to collate, manage, structure, disseminate and translate stem cell information such as research developments, clinical progress, and commercial, ethical and societal factors. Key material includes 32 fact sheets for general audiences, and a toolkit containing downloadable resources and activities like films, comics, lesson plans and games to support educators and scientists involved in outreach. English content was translated into French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish for the project portal, the main channel designed to inform the public about the latest developments in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. EUROSTEMCELL delivered extensive knowledge and educational resources on stem cells and their impact on society. This will help to foster meaningful engagement and reach the audiences who need this information most.
Keywords
Stem cell, public engagement, EUROSTEMCELL
