The research foci of the NRP 63 are organised according to basic concepts, with a main emphasis on understanding the mechanisms involved. Topics covered in this programme are:
- Stem cells and organ development
- Defining stemness, cell plasticity and stem cell niches
- Role of stem cells in repair and regeneration
- Comparison and functional analysis of normal and abnormal stem cells
- Legal and ethical research on stem cells and regenerative medicine
Projects supported by the programme, although focusing on basic mechanisms, need to be embedded into a perspective of future application for prevention or therapy of diseases. The derivation of hESC will not be covered by this programme.