Office of the Central Ethics Committee for Stem Cell Research(Zentrale Ethik-Kommission für Stammzellenforschung, ZES)

Head:

Gabriele Mertens

The Central Ethics Committee for Stem Cell Research (Zentrale Ethik-Kommission für Stammzellenforschung, ZES) was established in 2002 with the enactment of the Stem Cell Act. The 18 members and deputy-members of the ZES are appointed by the German Federal for three-year periods. The ZES is charged wit the task of reviewing and evaluating applications for import and use of human ES cells according to the Stem Cell Act and has to submit a written opinion on each application to the licensing authority, the RKI.

The Office of the ZES organises the meetings of the ZES, supports the members and deputy members of the committee in the assessment of applications according to the Stem Cell Act and coordinates the collaboration between the ZES and the licensing authority.

The Central Ethics Committee for Stem Cell Research submits an annual report to the Federal Ministry of Health.