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In 2001, the Stem Cell Network was the first of its kind, a bold initiative to forge and nurture pan-Canadian collaborations involving researchers, engineers, clinicians and private and public sector partners. Canada's broad and deep pool of stem cell talent proved to be a fertile ground for such an initiative, giving rise to a strong, thriving network that, 7 years later, can list innovative cell expansion and screening technologies, early-phase clinical trials for stroke, pulmonary hypertension, muscular dystrophy and cornea replacement, and leading discourse on ethical, legal and social issues among its accomplishments. As it moves into its second and final phase of funding, the Stem Cell Network continues to push boundaries and has set its sights on overcoming the obstacles that impede the transfer of research findings to clinical applications, commercial products and public policy.

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The Stem Cell Network (SCN), established in 2001 as part of Canada's Networks of Centres of Excellence program, supports leading‐edge projects that translate research discoveries into new and better treatments for millions of patients in Canada and around the world. Drew Lyall, executive director of the SCN, discusses the organization's mission and accomplishments.

The past year has been one of great change and achievement for the Canadian stem cell community.