The German Society for Stem Cell Research (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Stammzellforschung or GSZ), established in 2003 by Juergen Hescheler, brings scientists from around Germany together and has an emphasis on basic research in stem cell biology. The main purpose of the society is to promote stem cell research. In order to achieve this goal the society promotes the stem cell research in basic research and in academic teaching by allocating available funds to support training programs, to organize seminars and conferences, as well as instigating the exchange of students and scientists on national and international level for collaborative projects and resulting publications. The German Society for Stem Cell Research aims at establishing a network of scientists in stem cell research nationwide