By Glyn Stacey, Ph.D. and Lyn Healy, Ph.D.

The topic of stem cell banks has been widely discussed and debated, but if organised and managed appropriately, the real benefits of these organisations will be realised in the longer term as havens for pristine stocks of early passage cells, advice and training, and regulatory information for international collaborations. This article provides an overview of the activities to promote these benefits through the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative.