Perspectives on Stem Cell Research

With passage of Proposition 71, California has emerged on the frontline of developments in stem cell research. As a leader in this emerging area, Orange County’s University of California, Irvine is expanding its stem cell research infrastructure so that California scientists can speed their pursuit of this new research area. Heading up UC Irvine’s stem cell program is Dr. Susan Bryant, Dean of the School of Biological Sciences and a member of the Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee, which oversees the Institute for Regenerative Medicine created by Proposition 71. Dr. Bryant will share her vision for UCI as a regional center for stem cell research as well as how their efforts will impact the Orange County economy and local community. This Orange County Forum panel discussion also will provide a venue to discuss the important issues surrounding stem cell research. Joining Dr. Bryant is fellow UCI professor, Dr. Mahtab Jafari, a drug discovery researcher working to understand religious perspectives on stem cell research; and by Dr. Shane Smith, Science Director for “Yes on 71” who is now working with UC Irvine on its stem cell initiative.