Molecular biology labs at the University may receive a financial boost if New Jersey votes to pass a $380 million state initiative. Supporters believe it could make the state a leader in stem cell research.
The initiative — announced last month — has already allocated $150 million to build the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey. Pending approval in November, it will provide another $230 million for stem cell research grants to research institutes and universities, possibly including Princeton.
Supporters say the initiative would boost the state's economy, attract researchers, fund University labs and serve as an example to other states considering the politically controversial research.
"This is a major investment by the state . . . in a very specific targeted area of research," said Sherrie Preishce '95, executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology. "We certainly hope that it will make New Jersey an international center for stem cell research — and not just research, but biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to help us bring new therapies to market."
The initiative came just two months after California's decision to grant $3 billion to stem cell research. New Jersey followed California as the second state to legalize all forms of stem cell research, after a 2004 decision by former governor James McGreevey.
New Jersey is home to the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, currently the world's largest bank for human stem cells for research.
The new Stem Cell Institute, to be located in downtown New Brunswick, will be run jointly by the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). It will house clinical research and trials and run outpatient treatment. Priesche said construction is expected to begin this summer.
Many researchers support the initiative because it will provide funding at a time when federal support for stem cell research is limited, molecular biology professor Ihor Lemischka said.
Lemischka, who will assist in the search for the scientific director of the Stem Cell Institute, said the initiative could have national implications. He and his wife, molecular biology professor Kateri Moore, work on blood-forming and embryonic mouse stem cells.
"I think the most important [consequence of] the state initiatives, including New Jersey's, is that it sends a public policy message," Lemischka said. "I suspect other states will follow suit."
President Tilghman, who supports stem cell research, said the initiative would be an important step toward keeping young talent in New Jersey.
"I've always believed that the more good scientists there are in our neighborhood, the better off we all are," she said.
Read More
Joseph ’25 next Young Alumni Trustee in 21 percent turnout election
Vitus LarrieuGil Joseph ’25 won the Young Alumni Trustee election, which saw 21 percent turnout. Joseph, Stephen Padlo ’25 and Ben Wachspress ’25 competed in the final round of elections after advancing from a notably large primary in April.
Gil Joseph ’25 won the Young Alumni Trustee election, which saw 21 percent turnout. Joseph, Stephen Padlo ’25 and Ben Wachspress ’25 competed in the final round of elections after advancing from a notably large primary in April.
‘A brilliant young contemporary writer and a beautiful human being’: Remembering Lauren Blackburn ’26
Victoria Davies and Caitlyn TabladaBlackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
Blackburn was found deceased by authorities on April 25, several days after he was reported missing. He was 23 years old at the time of his death and is remembered by friends and mentors as a brilliant writer, voracious learner, and loving friend. A family obituary said he passed away after a “courageous battle with bipolar disorder.”
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.