Oversight & Review

Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Oversight (hPSCRO) Committee

The UCLA Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Oversight, or hPSCRO, Committee ensures that all human pluripotent stem cell research conducted at the University adheres to the highest ethical and scientific standards and complies with campus policies as well as California and federal laws. 

This committee includes experts in relevant scientific and medical fields, such as molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell research, assisted reproduction, legal and/or ethical issues in human pluripotent stem cell research as well as non-scientific members and patient advocates who are not affiliated with UCLA. Administrative support for hPSCRO is jointly provided by our center and the UCLA Vice Chancellor for Research.

Prior to conducting research that falls under the scope of the hPSCRO Committee, researchers at UCLA must submit an application for review.  Committee approval is required before research can proceed.

Scope

hSCPRO review is required for research using human pluripotent stem cells and populations – regardless of their origin – that are capable of differentiating into multiple tissue types. Adult precursors that differentiate into cells of a single tissue type do not require hPSCRO review.  

For human pluripotent stem cell research involving interactions or interventions with human subjects, prospective approval is required from both the hPSCRO committee and Institutional Review Board. 

UCLA Regulatory & Compliance Committees 

We also work in partnership with several UCLA entities to ensure our research complies with federal, state, University of California and UCLA regulations and policies. These partners include: 

• The Human Subjects Research Protection Program, which ensures the safety and welfare of participants in human research projects.
• The Animal Research Committee, which oversees the use of animals in research, teaching and testing.
• The Institutional Biosafety Committee, which reviews all research activities involving the use of hazardous biological material and recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids as required by NIH and CDC guidelines.