ESTOOLS - Advances with human embryonic stem cells - Open Letter to Il Corriere della Sera
Open Letter to Il Corriere della Sera
To: Dr. Ferruccio De Bortoli,
Chief Editor
Il Corriere della Sera
Via Solferino 28, Milan, Italy
and to whom it may concern
Date: 27 May 2010
Dear Sir,
AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE ESTOOLS COORDINATOR
Your recent article ("Staminali embrionali o adulte...", by Margherita de Bac, May 25, 2010) about the ESTOOLS scientific symposium in Lisbon and the progress of embryonic stem cell research conveys the wrong idea that there is controversy among stem cell experts at the symposium on whether embryonic stem cells research is a valid and promising strategy towards clinical and biomedical applications. In reality, there is a general consensus in the scientific community that embryonic stem cell research is a necessary, useful and promising avenue, along with that of adult stem cells.
The article also reports critical comments by Mr. Francesco D'Agostino, which is identified by the author as being our "colleague". While we are told that Mr. D'Agostino is a prominent personality in Italy, we are not aware of his scientific work or expertise, or the basis for his opinions.
His reported claim that embryonic stem cell research is a "flop" and that using adult stem cells is the only effective strategy may reflect personal views but they should not be passed as reflecting a general scientific opinion. We think it is misleading to make readers believe otherwise.
The ESTOOLS symposium has gathered more than 300 experts worldwide, including some of the most reputed and hard-working scientists in the field of embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells.
During the symposium, a number of promising applications involving embryonic stem cells have been presented and discussed.
We find that Mr. D'Agostino's reported comment - which depicts embryonic stem cell researchers as only interested in "gathering the attention of their sponsors" - is not only untrue but also grossly offensive.
We are aware that embryonic stem cell research is a sensitive political and religious topic in many countries, including Italy, but this should not justify inaccurate and misleading reporting.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Peter W. Andrews
ESTOOLS COORDINATOR
Dept. Biomedical Science
University of Sheffield
Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN
Great Britain
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