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Stem cells possess the ability to develop into many types of specialized cells. Therefore, they are viewed as promising tools for the treatment of hitherto incurable diseases or the replacement of defective organs in regenerative medicine. In order to enable future breakthroughs in therapeutic concepts, basic knowledge about the nature, function and differentiation capacity of stem cells needs to be gathered.

National Research Programme "Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine" (NRP 63) therefore aims to promote basic research in Switzerland and recruit promising young scientists to this field. The high-calibre research in cell and developmental biology in Switzerland should provide a sound basis for performing internationally recognized work in stem cell biology.

Funding of CHF 10 million has been allocated for the scheduled five-year duration of the project.