About

About us

At Stem Cell Donors Australia, we are driven by one clear vision: a world where a stem cell match is identified for every person whose life depends on it.

We are proud to manage and grow Australia’s blood stem cell donor registry, connecting potential donors with patients across the globe. Our mission is to ensure that no matter where a patient is or who they are, they have the best possible chance of finding a life-saving match.

What we do

As the nation’s stem cell donor registry, we work to recruit and maintain a diverse pool of volunteer donors who are ready and willing to step up when called upon. Here’s how we contribute to saving lives:

  • Recruitment and Donor Management:
    We recruit new donors from all over Australia, with the goal of building a registry that truly reflects the diversity of our population. We ensure that every donor’s data is managed securely, and their willingness to help is safeguarded.
  • Facilitating Matches:
    We don’t just work within Australia. Our reach is global. By partnering with other registries around the world, we connect Australian patients with donors from overseas, and vice versa. We act as the vital link between patients in need of blood stem cells and donors who can provide them.
  • Supporting the Donation Process:
    When a match is found, we are there every step of the way. From additional testing of the donor to the safe and timely delivery of the donated stem cells, our team ensures that the donor and our partners are supported throughout the entire process. Whether the donor is based in Australia or overseas, we ensure the highest standards of care and safety.
  • Setting the Standards:
    We are responsible for upholding the standards for the management and welfare of Australia’s volunteer stem cell donors. We comply with international regulations to protect the wellbeing of donors and ensure that donated stem cells meet the stringent requirements necessary for transplantation.

International Collaboration

As a member of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA), we adhere to internationally recognised standards that protect both donors and patients. Through this global network, we are able to offer Australian patients access to millions of potential donors worldwide, increasing the chance of finding the perfect match.

WMDA full standards logo.

Our Ambition

Our ambition is to create one of the most reliable stem cell donor registries in the world—one that is representative of Australia’s rich multicultural landscape. Right now, many communities are underrepresented on the registry, meaning that some patients face greater difficulty in finding a match. By actively recruiting donors from all walks of life, we can ensure that every Australian has the best possible chance of survival, regardless of their background.

Australian stem cell donor holding a cheek swab kit

Why Your Support Matters

Every day, patients around the world depend on the generosity of stem cell donors to give them a second chance at life. By joining the registry, supporting our work, or even simply spreading the word, you are helping to bring us closer to a future where every patient in need of a stem cell transplant has the chance to find their life-saving match.

Together, we can make our vision a reality—a world where a stem cell match is available for every person whose life depends on it.

Stem cell donor in a hospital bed with an apheresis machine