SCN’s New, Future-Forward Strategic Plan and Brand Identity

OTTAWA, September 9, 2019 — Canada’s national stem cell and regenerative medicine research organization, the Stem Cell Network (SCN), announced today the launch of its three-year Strategic Plan, ACCELERATE, along with a refreshed brand identity and redesigned logo. This follows a renewed commitment to SCN from the Government of Canada earlier this year, in recognition of SCN’s solid track record of achievement and vision to capitalize upon Canada’s competitive advantage in stem cells for the benefit of Canadians.

“We are extremely excited to present our Strategic Plan for 2019-2022 to our community, our partners and the broader Canadian public today, and to introduce our refreshed brand and new tagline, ‘Tomorrow’s health is here’,” said Cate Murray, SCN’s Executive Director. “This strategic direction and visual identity reflect the continued advancement of high-quality research in this country and underscores the promise regenerative medicine has to improve the health and economic prosperity for us all.”

“The Network was a pioneer in the stem cell space when it was formed in 2001 and we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence,” said Dr. Michael Rudnicki, SCN’s CEO and Scientific Director. “The development of this strategic plan represents the natural next step for the organization and our growing sector.”

ACCELERATE outlines an ambitious research, training, knowledge mobilization and end-user engagement plan to be implemented over the next three years. SCN will engage a broad network of over 170 research groups and numerous partners representing industry, non-profits, charities, research institutions, and non-government organizations to generate greater momentum within Canadian stem cell research and catalyze greater investment and collaboration across the country. ACCELERATE sets the direction needed to drive translational stem cell research forward and stimulate made-in-Canada innovations that deliver health, economic and social benefits.

The updated look and feel for SCN, including a new logo design will integrate seamlessly in both print and digital channels and offer more flexibility with current technologies. The logo incorporates a modified infinity circle, signifying SCN’s values of collaboration, community, inclusiveness and its role as a bridge in the advancement of research to clinical applications, commercial products and public policy. It also draws from SCN’s roots and national position, retaining the corporate red, circular structure and Canadian flag motif, but blending these into a new arrangement with cleaner lines and a stronger visual presence.

The refreshed brand was revealed today across SCN’s digital channels, including its website, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook pages and will be featured in upcoming events, including the Till & McCulloch Meetings, Canada’s premier stem cell research conference, taking place November 4-6 in Montreal, Quebec. tillandmcculloch.ca

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About the Stem Cell Network
Tomorrow’s health is here. The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a national non-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research, training the next generation of highly qualified personnel, and delivering outreach activities across Canada. SCN’s goal is to advance science from the lab to the clinic for the benefit of Canadians. SCN has been supported by the Government of Canada since inception in 2001. This strategic funding, valued at over $100M has benefitted approximately 170 world-class research groups and 3,000 trainees and has catalyzed 19 clinical trials. Learn more: stemcellnetwork.ca

Media Contact:
Lisa Willemse, Director, Communications & Public Affairs
lwillemse@stemcellnetwork.ca