Requirements effective today advance transparency, reproducibility, and global research standards in stem cell science
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) today announced that its official journal, Stem Cell Reports, has implemented enhanced measures to strengthen scientific rigor and reproducibility across its published research, effective 1 April 2026. These policies reinforce the journal’s commitment to advancing high-quality, transparent stem cell science.
All submitted manuscripts using human stem cells will now be required to include a completed ISSCR Standards Checklist that will be shared directly with peer reviewers. In addition, all manuscripts will be required to complete the STAR Methods reporting format prior to publication. These measures are designed to ensure that critical experimental details are fully disclosed, enabling researchers worldwide to accurately interpret and reproduce findings.
“Scientific progress depends on transparency and reproducibility,” said Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cell Reports. “By embedding these requirements into the peer review and publication process, we are taking a meaningful step toward improving reporting standards and strengthening confidence in stem cell research.”
The new requirements build on the ISSCR’s broader leadership in setting global standards for stem cell research. Key elements include:
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ISSCR Standards Checklist: Integration into Peer Review
Authors of papers using human stem cells must complete the ISSCR Standards Checklist at submission. The checklist will be provided to reviewers as part of the evaluation process. Reviewers will assess whether manuscripts include sufficient methodological and characterization details to ensure rigor and reproducibility, with authors required to address any gaps. The checklist will not currently be included in the final online publication.
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Mandatory STAR Methods Format for Publication
All accepted papers must include a comprehensive Methods section using the STAR (Structured, Transparent, Accessible Reporting) format, developed by Cell Press. This includes a detailed key resources table and expanded methodological descriptions to support reproducibility across laboratories.
These enhancements align with the ISSCR’s strategic priority to serve as the global authority on scientific standards and trusted knowledge in stem cell science. By integrating these requirements into the editorial process, Stem Cell Reports is not only elevating its own publication standards but also helping to drive field-wide improvements in research quality.
The initiative is supported by ISSCR educational resources, including a free course developed in partnership with STEMCELL Technologies to guide researchers in applying these standards in practice.
Read the editorial by Stem Cell Reports Editor-in-Chief Janet Rossant to learn more.
About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. Stem Cell Reports is a Cell Press partner journal. Find the journal on X: @StemCellReports.
About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.