Goodbye from Nature Reports Stem Cells
We are sad to announce that Nature Reports Stem Cells is closing down.
When we launched in June 2007, we wanted to support the stem cell field and the interested public by providing freely available content. Stem cell research was then - and is still - exciting and expanding. It requires highly varied experts to think and work together, and it requires the support and understanding of non-scientists. We believe we have been successful in creating a venue that highlights and explores the many facets and implications of stem cell science. It is now time for us to move on to fresh publishing challenges.
We have been helped by many contributors and experts who have generously given their time and insight. We give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who wrote articles or gave interviews, advice, and words of encouragement.
NRSC and this blog will continue to remain online as an archive. Nature and its sister titles remain committed, as ever, to publishing new research and news about stem cells.
Monya Baker, Editor
Natalie DeWitt, Editor at Large
Comments
Oh no! I will miss this blog that had become an invaluable part of my being able to keep up on developments in my field. Thank you Monya and Natalie for all your work!
Posted by: Sam Nutt | October 23, 2009 12:02 AM
i work with stem cells, and this site was one of my favorites, its such a shame to close it with no notice...
Posted by: Cynthia | October 23, 2009 12:07 PM
You didn't give the reasons for why you are closing down. You are correct in stating that you have established an important venue. Things are just getting going. Why stop now? Was the interest not great enough?
Posted by: frank barish | October 24, 2009 09:24 PM
I wonder what criteria were used by NPG to evaluate "Nature Reports Stem Cells" and "the Niche"(as a basis for the decision that it's "time for us to move on"). Why now? Too much going on now in the stem cell field? Not enough visitors to these sites?
The stem cell field still needs the support and understanding of non-scientists.
Posted by: Jim Till | October 25, 2009 03:13 PM
As a silent reader of your blog, I just wanted to say that this blog has been an invaluable source of information for me. Thank you for the work you put into this- it will be missed!
Posted by: Thank you! | October 26, 2009 06:47 AM
By starting NRSC and Niche, NPG made a great leap in integration public and professional community by providing reliable and valuable information. Shutting down NRSC and Niche will facilitate spreading of misleading information and possibly fraud in research and commercial cell therapies.
It's very very sad that NPG, which is usually very much care about feedback and community's opinion, even didn't ask about it, didn't apologies and didn't explain the reasons.
Well, NPG is profit organization. I suspect It was good for business. Unfortunately, that's good for business - bad for the people
I'd like to thank editors and authors of NRSC and Niche for great job.
Posted by: Alexey Bersenev | October 26, 2009 08:45 PM
Thank you for the coverage you've provided via The Niche. It has been a valued source of timely information for me. I wish you well in your future endeavors and look forward to continued NPG coverage of the stem cell field.
Posted by: Greg Hoff | October 27, 2009 01:00 PM
I fully agree with Jim Till (whose blog I also follow): this blog was a great initiative and a reliable place where to find solid information in a fast-moving field, both for specialists and for non-specialists. Too many things wax and wane in the Internet so that now even Nature cannot support and maintain its best initiatives. I will miss this site. Thanks to Monya and Natalie for their excellent work.
Posted by: Cesar Cobaleda | October 27, 2009 01:49 PM
Hello everyone, thanks for the kind words. The decision to close Nature Reports Stem Cells was a business decision. I didn't realize that wasn't clear. FWIW: I'm staying with NPG as technology editor for Nature and Nature Methods, so I'll be still be following cutting-edge science. I've very much enjoyed my tenure with Nature Reports.
Monya
Posted by: Monya Baker | October 28, 2009 04:00 PM