The need for a global effort to attend to human neural organoid and assembloid research

Human neural organoid and assembloid research, unknown until a little more than a decade ago, has recently exploded. The amount of research, the types of organoids and assembloids, and the scope of the work have expanded markedly. Although some of the ethical and social questions that arise have been previously discussed, these issues continue to grow and become more pressing. In such a fast-moving field, any conclusions will be challenged by new developments. We argue that there is a crucial need for a continuing international process to watch, and to guide, the progress of this field. Whether operationalized through existing organizations or a new one, this process would collect and disseminate evolving information about research involving human neural organoids, assembloids, and their transplantation into nonhuman animals; promote discussion and engagement with associated ethics and policy issues among researchers and the public; and offer guidance when needed.