As scientists around the world race to explore the potential of stem cells, the regulatory and research funding picture has become increasingly complex. Critics believe the limitations posed by the U.S. federal stem cell policy have put a damper on public and private research. Other countries are setting up research facilities and have begun luring bio-researchers, many from the United States, to grow these new ventures. In the United States, stem cell institutes that combine private financing with state funding have been established at a number of institutions. A number of states are also spearheading initiatives, such as Proposition 71 in California. Some observers are concerned that efforts by states to supersede federally supported stem cell research will open a regulatory free-for-all.

This conference will discuss the various issues that have arisen in the United States and abroad in response to federal stem cell policy and the slew of recent state initiatives encouraging private investments and public/private partnerships.