Effective October 1, 2014, the authority for administration of the Stem Cell Research Program transferred to Connecticut Innovations. A link to the Connecticut Innovations webpage is provided: http://www.ctinnovations.com/program/18/stemcellresearch

Connecticut General Statutes §19a-32d through §19a-32g mandated the establishment of the Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory and Peer Review Committees by October 1, 2005.

The Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee was originally made up of nine members.  By statute, the Advisory Committee is chaired by the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Other members of the committee are appointed by the Governor and by various leaders of the General Assembly from the fields of stem cell research, stem cell investigators, bioethics, embryology, genetics, cellular biology and business. Committee members commit to a two-year or four-year term of service.  Public Act 06-33 amended the original law and mandates the appointment of an additional eight members by July 1, 2006. 

Responsibilities of the Advisory Committee include the development and oversight of the stem cell research grants-in-aid program, the development of a donated funds program to encourage the development of funds other than state appropriations for embryonic and human adult stem cell research, and the promotion of for-profit and not-for-profit stem cell and related research in the State.  The Advisory Committee is also responsible to report annually to the Governor and General Assembly on (1) the amount of grants-in-aid awarded to eligible institutions, (2) the recipients of such grants-in-aid, and (3) the current status of stem cell research in the state.

The legislation established a Stem Cell Research Peer Review Committee originally consisting of five members with demonstrated and practical knowledge, understanding and experience of the ethical and scientific implications of embryonic and adult stem cell research.  Public Act 07-252 allows the DPH Commissioner to appoint additional members as deemed necessary for the review of applications, provided the total number does not exceed fifteen.  The DPH Commissioner appoints all committee members for either two or four-year terms.  In consideration of potential conflict of interest concerns, all members appointed are from out of state, and four of the members to date are international researchers.  The Peer Review Committee reviews all grant applications for scientific and ethical merit, guided by the National Acadamies “Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” The Peer Review Committee makes its recommendations on grant recipients to the Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee.

Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee

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