Appendix C

Statement of Task

A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will organize and conduct a 1-day public workshop to explore the state of the science of mammalian embryo model systems, including nonhuman primate and human models. The goal of the workshop will be to begin with an overview of the developments and uses that have set the foundation for the field, then to focus in on opportunities and challenges for future work with embryo model systems. Discussions may include topics such as the characteristics of advanced mammalian embryo model systems; differences between various mammalian embryo model systems and bona fide mammalian embryos; and differences between mammalian embryo model systems and mammalian “embryoid bodies” (culture systems in which pluripotent stem cells aggregate and differentiate, but the cells are not organized in the same manner as in a bona fide embryo). Discussion may include whether the embryo model systems, especially those using nonhuman primate cells, could be used to predict function of systems made with human cells. The functionality and organismal potential of the synthetic models may be considered, including whether embryo model systems have organismal potential if they lack trophoblast cells or other extraembryonic cell types. The current state of the science of the in vitro development of human trophoblast cells may be considered. As requested by the National Institutes of Health, the discussions at the workshop will focus on the state of the science and not policy or ethical implications given the existing legal limitations. Presentations during this workshop will be

held with a broad array of invited stakeholders which may include research scientists from government, academia and the private sector, societies and associations, and representatives from pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The planning committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers, and moderate the discussions. Proceedings from the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.