Stem cells stir EC research funding debate:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The European Research Council has agreed to allow EU funds to be used for embryonic stem cell research, subject to the applicable legislation in the individual member states. The decision, already approved by the European Commission and the European Parliament (see Clinica No 986, p 4), was ratified at last week's meeting to approve the VI Research Framework Programme 2002-06. The ethical issues surrounding stem cell research remain a "particular focus of debate", according to the minutes of the meeting. Other issues included a proposed budget of E2.2 billion ($2.5 billion) for genomics and biotechnology, E1.15 billion for advanced genomics and its healthcare applications, and E1.05 billion to "tackle the principal diseases".