Germany

GERMANY REMAINS AT the forefront of stem cell research, with a strong foundation in academics and private/commercial business. The country maintains sensitivity for protecting human dignity, and research is carefully regulated with appropriate legislation and funding. Stem cell researchers benefit from networking relationships within the country, with the Stem Cell Network of North Rhine Westphalia and through regional relationships through the ScanBalt organization to enhance biotechnology within the Nordic and Baltic Sea region, as well as European and international affiliations.

The embryo protection law prevents the derivation of new stem cell lines because the technique destroys the embryo. A recent ruling by members of Germany's lower house of parliament passed an amendment to this law allowing scientists to import embryonic stem cells created before May 1, ...