Elaine Fuchs: ISSCR's President-Elect

Elaine Fuchs, a prominent scientist in skin and stem cell research, was the president-elect of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) in 2010. Despite being stranded in Stockholm due to a volcanic eruption, she remained optimistic and focused on her work. Fuchs made significant contributions to the study of skin stem cells, identifying distinct stem cell populations in hair follicles and exploring their roles in proliferation and differentiation. She faced gender discrimination early in her career, which fueled her commitment to supporting women and younger scientists. As ISSCR president, she aimed to increase international participation and provide educational tools about stem cell research. Fuchs was recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science, and was an advocate for science education and international collaboration.