Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) at Stanford University

In accordance with California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations, Stanford policy, and generally conforming to National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) guidelines, the IRB/SCRO Panel will advise the Vice Provost and Dean of Research regarding issues related to the conduct of research with human stem cells and human stem cell lines at Stanford. 

What is the IRB/SCRO Panel?

The IRB/SCRO Panel responsible for overseeing the protection of human participants in research and overseeing scientific and ethical considerations for human stem cell research. The IRB/SCRO Panel is a part of the Research Compliance Office and derives its authority from the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research. 

The Panel is part of the Human Research Protection Program which complies with the federal, state, and Stanford policies. Additionally, the Panel oversees human stem cell research to verify that the research complies with U.S., State of California and California Institute for Regenerative Medicine guidelines and regulations.     

Who Serves on the IRB/SCRO Panel?

The Panel is appointed by the Vice Provost and Dean of Research. The members of each panel must include persons with expertise in developmental biology, stem cell research, molecular biology, assisted reproduction, and ethical issues in human stem cell research. In addition, at least one member must be a non-scientist member of the public, not otherwise affiliated with the University, and at least one member must be a patient advocate.

The Panel may include STANFORD faculty and staff, one student when nominated by the ASSU Committee on Nominations (who is an upperclassman or preferably a graduate student with previous human subject research or medical experience), a member whose primary concerns are in non-scientific areas, and any others who may be invited to serve when their expertise is required.

Do I Need to Submit a SCRO Protocol?

Please see our SCRO Review Category Flow Chart to determine whether your research requires SCRO review.   

How Do I Submit a SCRO Protocol?

If your research requires SCRO review, submit an eProtocol application.

Who Do I Contact if I Have Questions?

• To reach SCRO staff, email the staff. 
• For eProtocol questions, call the Help Desk at (650) 724-8964. 
• If your question is urgent, you can also call the main number at the Research Compliance Office at (650) 721-6399. 
• For a complete list of SCRO Contacts, click here.