Stem Cell Advocacy 2.0: The Role of the Stem Cell Consumer Movement in the Obama Era (3/18/09)

Bernard Siegel, Founder, Genetics Policy Institute

The Obama era has begun with the promise of new federal funding opportunities for embryonic stem cell research. However, pressing challenges remain. The nascent "regen" industry faces regulatory obstacles, a daunting IP landscape and the burden of finding new capital in difficult economic times. Political adversaries could continue to present new legislative roadblocks. Driving this field forward is a consumer “pro-cures” movement, citizens who see stem cells not as a public health issue but an issue impacting their own lives. Siegel will discuss this community, which is committed to a new, proactive stem cell agenda dedicated to bringing about faster cures.

This program was recorded in front of a live audience at the Commonwealth Club of California on March 18, 2009.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring nearly 500 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to our members and the public, both in-person and via extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.

The views of Club speakers are their own and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Commonwealth Club World Affairs.

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