The Stem Cell Network NRW is an initiative of the North Rhine Westphalian Ministry of Science and Research. A statewide organization involving research facilities in Aachen, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen and Münster, it covers virtually the whole spectrum of scientific issues in the field of adult and embryonic stem cell research. The Network consists of two working groups. One focuses on biomedical, the other on ethical, legal and sociological issues. In these groups, top scientists, doctors, philosophers, theologians, sociologists and legal experts combine their expertise with a view to making stem cell research responsible and transparent. The Stem Cell Network NRW is a model example of the North Rhine Westphalian government's strategy of identifying, promoting and creating a common platform for the research disciplines of the future--for the benefit of science, business and above all society at large.