The recent Declaration of Cooperation between California and Wisconsin’s stem cell programs was great news to myself and all who live daily with debilitating diseases.
This latest declaration strengthens the already existing Interstate Alliance on Stem Cell Research in which UW is already a member. The signing for this event was held in California at the annual meeting of the Society for Stem Cell Research. SSCR is an international organization and a world leader in stem cell collaboration.
The California compact with Wisconsin creates a framework for joint funding, and identifies opportunities to further the advancement, promotion and development of stem cell therapies. This is exactly what we all want!
It is reassuring and to Wisconsin’s credit to be reaching out both in sharing its scientific know how while at the same time learning from its peers.
The California stem cell program is a 3 billion dollar public initiative which is using state bonds to fund the construction of stem cell research facilities and to recruit the finest scientists in the world.
By requiring matching funds California has demonstrated that by contributed public dollars via grants and loans it has successfully harnessed and stimulated both public and private stem cell investment without contributing one dime to the state’s deficit.
It also remains a model for both its public accountability and transparency. This is so in part due to its inclusion of patient advocates into its governing structure and an outcome-oriented strategic planning and reporting process like none other.
Benedict is a patient advocate for stem cell research and blogs at: danecountyalmanac.blogspot.com
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