To mark its 40th anniversary, Dr Jim Cooper, the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures’ Operational Lead, looks back at the department’s fascinating history, the collection’s achievements and impact on the scientific community and public health.
Established in 1984 to support the research community, the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) has diversified over the last 40 years to become one of the most respected collections of authenticated cell cultures in the world.
Cell culture beginnings
ECACC’s journey began in the 1970s when the field of cell culture was in its infancy. The Porton Microbiological Research Establishment (MRE) managed several small collections of cells for research purposes. Following the creation of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) in 1979, these collections were consolidated into the National Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (NCACC) to provide a centralised repository for disease research in 1984. Up until this point cell lines were obtained from friends and colleagues or from the American Type Cultures Collection (ATCC).
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.