The RENEW Biobank is located at the Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education (hESC) in the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Institute. The Center builds on the established excellence of the Institute, in combination with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, by focusing on four areas of primary importance in stem cells research:
1) Human embryology
2) Germ cell development
3) Reprogramming cells
4) Directed differentiation of stem cells to other cell types.

Each IVF cycle generates a small excess of unusable biological materials. You have the opportunity to donate those discarded IVF materials for research at Stanford.
Research on in vitro fertilization and the human embryo prior to implantation is necessary if we are to understand human development and treat a wide range of human disorders including infertility.
Advances in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research may some day lead to new treatments for adult diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal chord injuries or Alzheimer's disease.

The RENEW Biobank at the Stanford School of Medicine offers:

A streamlined consent process
Minimal clinic involvement
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Extensive legal and research compliance oversight
Ethical procurement and distribution of donated materials
State-of-the art database and inventory tracking system
More than 10 IRB-approved research protocols currently in progress

• Please note: The Biobank is not accepting new donations at this time. The following refers to the process when donations are being taken.
•  Clinic identifies patient(s) interested in donation
• Clinic provides Biobank literature to patient
• Clinic provides Biobank email
• Patient contacts Biobank via email or phone
• Consents can be obtained from the Biobank website or by emailing the Biobank
• Patient reviews consent form at their own pace and convenience
• Patient returns completed consent form for review via email/scan, fax or mail
• Consenting process is complete after a Biobank Coordinator and the patient have discussed any questions and completed telephone consent
• Patient advised that materials may remain at local fertility center until sufficient donations have been made to fill a portable tank to warrant Fed Ex shipping expenses
• For more information please contact the Biobank at 650-721-2259 or renew_biobank@stanford.edu

• Autologous Embryos (created with own eggs and sperm)
• Donor Embryos (created with donor eggs and/or donor sperm)
• Egg and/or Ovarian Tissue
• Sperm and/or Testicular Biopsy Tissue
• Unusable PGD Embryos for Discard

• Autologous Embryos (created with own sperm and eggs)
• Donor Embryos (created with donor eggs and/or donor sperm)
• Sperm and/or testicular Biopsy Tissue

• Instructions for Donating to Stanford University School of Medicine
• Voluntary Health Questionnaire
• Patient's Contact Information Form (for phone consent verification by RENEW Biobank staff)