Research on human embryos

This is a sensitive area requiring major ethical justification by the applicants.

Human embryos

1. Ascertain that the research does not include the destruction of embryos, including for the generation of human embryonic stem cells.

2. In general, research activities intended to create human embryos solely for the purpose of research or for the purpose of stem cell procurement, including by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer, research activities aiming at human cloning and intended to modify the genetic heritage of human beings are prohibited from funding under FP7.

Human embryonic stem cells:

1. The derivation of embryonic stem cells from embryos is prohibited from funding under FP7.

2. Research with already established embryonic stem cells can be funded by FP7. 

3. Fully justify the use of human embryonic stem cells for research and provide information why use of these cells is necessary to achieve the research goals (and why the use of other cell types will not provide adequate results).

4. Provide full details regarding the source and line of human embryonic stem cells, including their ethical procurement (informed consent, data protection, nature of financial inducement, if any)

5. Take into account the legislation, regulations, ethical rules and/or codes of conduct in the country(ies) where the research using hESC is to take place

  6. If possible, note whether the cells are listed in a public registry (e.g. European hESCreg)

Fetal Tissue

1. State the source of human fetal tissue and cells

2. Describe the procedure of how donors will be recruited and how informed consent will be obtained – there should be no financial inducement

3. Describe data protection measures

4. If using banked tissues/cells or those obtained within other projects, state the conditions that allow the use of the material for the research project (e.g. is it covered by the original consent?)