A Personal Invitation to Shape the Language of Regenerative Medicine

I purposely wish to extricate myself from being an initiator of the Tissue Response Compass (TRC). Much rather,  I would like to extend a personal invitation to my colleagues and friends around the world—physicians, surgeons, scientists, researchers, educators, trainees, regulators, and industry partners—to participate in the ongoing development of this resource. The concepts and definitions presented herein are not intended to represent a final authority, but rather a starting point for discussion, refinement, and collective advancement. Regenerative medicine is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and our language must evolve with it. New discoveries continually challenge existing paradigms, while emerging technologies introduce concepts that often lack clear and universally accepted definitions. It is therefore essential that the vocabulary guiding our field be developed collaboratively, transparently, and with scientific rigor.

This document fully acknowledges and reflects my own experiences, interpretations, and biases. In truth, it is impossible to separate oneself from the lens through which one observes science. Some definitions may resonate immediately, while others may provoke disagreement. I welcome both reactions. In fact, certain concepts have been intentionally framed to stimulate debate, encourage critical thinking, and expose areas where consensus remains elusive. Constructive controversy has long been a catalyst for scientific progress.

My hope is that the TRC becomes a living, community-driven resource that grows through your contributions. I encourage you to challenge existing terminology, propose new definitions, introduce emerging concepts, and identify gaps that deserve attention. Together, we can build a common language that strengthens communication, improves education, accelerates innovation, and ultimately advances the science and practice of regenerative medicine for the benefit of patients worldwide.

Ramon Llull, MD, PhD