The major work areas are: (1) maintaining and improving technical and scientific functionality, (2) development of Registry content, (3) dissemination and (4) management and governance.
1. The Registry's unique ethics data model was finalized and a version for data output and searchability developed. An updated interface for ethics data comparison and searching was implemented. To ease data deposition, API were developed and are available. The unique persistent identifier for hPSC – lines was published. Validation and certification of lines was moved from a manual to a mostly automated process, reducing error rates. To improve searching and filtering, a portal design was developed and is being tested with stakeholder feedback.
2. Cell line registration is a continuous task. The registration data model was further improved and mandatory data elements redefined. The number of registered hESC-Lines increased within the period by 5783 iPSC and 305 hESC - lines. The number of registered projects increased to 220. Clinical use of hPSC will be the next revolution in cell therapy. hPSCreg implemented a dedicated database for clinical trials. 96 clinical studies registered: hESC (n=48), hiPSC (n=45) and parthenotic PSC (n=3).
3. The Registry has further developed collaborations with international stakeholder organizations and Banks in Europe, the USA and Asia. Dissemination was mainly through the hPSCreg Portal, were open access is provided to hPSCreg content, governance documents, best practice and other procedural documents. The Committee of National Representatives (CNR), with currently 33 members from EU and Non-EU countries with registered lines in hPSCreg, is the main advisory and interaction group with key stakeholders, also with respect to following-up of changing regulatory and legal frameworks. The dissemination is reflected in more than 51 presentations at conferences, workshops, webinars and training events, as well as 18 publications in peer reviewed international journals. hPSCreg is involved in the EU-funded Projects EJP-RD and EuroGCT.
4. The Registry team maintained an accurate, safe and carefully constructed database (backend) and portal (front end) as a continuous task, which fully complies with GDPR. An adequate management structure was implemented and relevant documentation and Registry - related administrative documents are publicly accessible. FAIR data principles were further improved. The Registry is supported by an Advisory Board and the CNR.