University of Wisconsin–Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UWM) is considered one of the pioneering schools in stem cell research. In 1996, James Thomson led a team at the Primate Research Center in developing the first embryonic stem cells from nonhuman primates. Two years later, the Thomson team became the first in the world to isolate stem cell lines from human embryos that had been created by [Page 1242]in vitro fertilization. In 2007, Thomson succeeded in reprogramming human stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, making them able to differentiate into other cells and organs. Thomson’s work set the stage for UWM’s continued commitment to stem cell research, and the university has a long history of providing leadership in the field. Much of the stem cell research activity is ...