An executive order signed by President Barack Obama last month lifting restrictions on federal funding for stem-cell research could mean big benefits for UCSD.
Regulations in place since August 2001 allowed scientists to use federal funds to work only on a small, limited number of existing human embryonic stem-cell lines. But under the new administration’s rules, signed by’ Obama earlier this year, researchers can apply for federal grants to work on newly created colonies.
‘It will be a huge boost,’ director of UCSD’s stem-cell research program Larry Goldstein said. ‘It will make a big difference. Fundamentally, the stimulus will put gas in the tank.’
Additionally, the stimulus act signed by Obama on Feb. 17 provides $10.4 billion to the National Institutes of Health for scientific research, some of which will go to the study of stem cells.
Goldstein says the changes, which will take 120 days to go into effect, will give a much needed boost to research funding, and predicts that they will considerably stimulate discovery.
Until now, most funding for stem-cell research in California has been provided by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. According to neurobiologist Anirvan Ghosh, however, access to the new NIH grants will give scientists freedom to pursue expanded areas of research.
Goldstein and Vice Chancellor for Research Art Ellis will co-chair a new oversight committee to make sure federal guidelines are followed by all campus departments.