Abstract
Regenerative medicine has a rich and pluralistic history, characterised by a patchwork of innovation and blind alleys. As scientific researchers, our understanding of this hybrid field of regeneration in a historical and cultural context is far from complete, in part due to the range of non-medical contributory disciplines and a fascination with the future directions of research. This paper explores the different definitions of regenerative medicine and highlights issues faced in regenerative medicine research. We argue that a closer relationship between regenerative medicine and the humanities would enable researchers to better understand the historical context, ethical implications and public perception of this rapidly developing field. In many cases, this would be through better awareness of the existing expertise available in humanities research, which is often not visible to those in the laboratory.
Highlights
Two of the three authors of this paper are scientific researchers working in the field of Regenerative Medicine
They have both worked within the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds, a group whose research focus is to provide ’50 active years after 50’
The scientific authors of this paper found the Past, Present and Futures workshop to be a very positive experience, which led to their desire to write this article. Such discussions of what our goals as laboratory based regenerative medicine researchers and what the terms mean to scholars outside this world provide an opportunity for reflection on our aims and understanding
Summary
Economic, and cultural implications of scientific advances to be discussed before they become a reality, research scientists must actively engage with the wider academic community to develop and advise on legal and ethical frameworks to cover future developments It may provide insights into how new technologies may be used or misused, the fears that could be played upon in the public mind, and suggest new uses that the developers have never considered. An understanding of community support is important; if new regenerative therapies require a high level of assistance, physiotherapy or monitoring by experts, the required support structures may not be in place for the technology to be a success Input from those who understand how health economics, community support and patient aftercare work before research reached clinical trials could raise potential issues earlier in the development pathway. Contact with patients is important to understand whether a particular technology or therapy would be practical in their daily lives
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