China stem cell research policy and related ethical issues. (360G-Wellcome-080526_Z_06_Z)

China Stem Cell Research Policy and Related Ethical Issues As stem cell technology continues to expand in its range of clinical uses, a number of moral, technical, ethical and regulatory issues gain importance. These issues are international, national and also local. The proposed study investigates emerging ethical and regulatory tissues in the context of Chinese stem cell science. China is now a rising power in bio-science field. Yet, so far there has been no legislation, and only two ethical guidelines in China to regulate current stem cell research. However, China has realised the importance of an efficient regulation system to balance the scientific and social benefits and resolve the conflicts. The ethical importance of stem cells research thus poses a specific challenge. By visiting stem cell laboratories, stem cell banks, clinics and hospitals, and through interviews with medical researchers, bioethicists and patients, this research will define the core moral and ethical issues at stake in China's context, and give suggestions of applying ethical protocols governing the future regulation of its own stem cell research community. The feedbacks will be sought continually throughout the project from the collaborating investigators. This research will also contribute to the future comparative governance and regulation of human stem cell research and presents implications on universal regulatory guidance.