CIRM Leader: Collaboration Funds Needed for Research

To fulfill the goal of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to keep the state, its universities and biotechnology companies "on the forefront" of stem cell research, researchers "must create a significantly new approach that will greatly accelerate the timetable" for developing stem cell treatments, argues Art Torres, vice chair of CIRM. According to Torres, the new approach requires "cooperation and collaboration," including "involvement of the entire spectrum of participants from the beginning" and "funding, enough of it, and with a long-term vision."

• "Viewpoints: State Puts Stem Cell Research on Fast Track" (Torres, Sacramento Bee, 11/5).