State Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr.
June 9, 2006
Williams Appoints Harvard Professor and Stem Cell Research Pioneer Ann Kiessling to State Stem Cell Panel
Dr. Kiessling an example of 'the best and the brightest'
State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) today announced the appointment of Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Ann A. Kiessling, Ph.D., to Connecticut's Stem Cell Advisory Committee. She will serve on the board that will decide how $100 million ($10 million per year for 10 years) will be distributed to Connecticut scientists in the emerging area of stem cell research.
"When I first proposed investing $100 million in this important field of research back in January of 2005, I knew we would need the very best people to serve on the panel that would decide how the money is dispersed to Connecticut researchers." Sen. Williams said. "Dr. Kiessling is the perfect example of the type of quality, expert person we need. It is a real coup that we are getting such a knowledgeable person to serve on the board. Indeed, she is among the best and the brightest."
Dr. Kiessling founded the stem cell research organization "Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation" in Massachusetts in 1996. She has published more than 100 scientific papers and authored the first textbook to be published on stem cell research, Human Embryonic Stem Cells: An Introduction to the Science and Therapeutic Potential.
Added Sen. Williams, "We currently have more than 75 applications for portions of the $100 million in stem cell research funding. We clearly have the need for the foremost experts on the topic. There is no one better than Dr. Kiessling to help determine the best candidates in this new frontier in scientific research that has wonderful potential to help researchers explore potential new treatments for devastating medical conditions."
Only Connecticut institutions and researchers can qualify for the state funding. Prof. Kiessling's term begins July 1st. The first of the funding will be dispersed in October.
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