Broad Foundation donates $25 million for stem cell research
UC San Francisco will build a state-of-the-art laboratory that will bring together some of the world's leading scientists in the field.
Reporting from San Francisco — Seeking to advance stem cell research in California, philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad announced Wednesday they will donate $25 million to UC San Francisco for a state-of-the-art laboratory that will bring together some of the world's leading scientists in the field.
The gift was hailed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and University of California officials who said it could lead to new treatments for people who suffer from spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other debilitating conditions.
"This revolutionary science has the potential not only to improve the human condition, but it can also improve our California economy, which of course is very important right now," the governor told hundreds of people at a ceremony announcing the donation.
Eli Broad, who made fortunes in home construction and insurance, said the donation from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation was designed to accelerate research in an area that could lead to major medical breakthroughs.
"Our hope is this: that the work being done by the many talented scientists and researchers at this university and elsewhere will help improve the lives of millions of people around the world," he said.
The Broad Foundation earlier gave $30 million to USC and $20 million to UCLA to boost stem cell research there.
UC San Francisco has been in the forefront of the field since 1981 when UC San Francisco developmental biologist Gail Martin co-discovered embryonic stem cells in mice and came up with the term "embryonic stem cell." The campus subsequently developed two human embryonic stem cell lines that have been distributed to more than 70 laboratories around the world.
"We like to invest in people who are the best," Broad said, "and the best are right here at UCSF."
Many scientists believe that human embryonic stem cells, which can develop into any of the 200 cell types in the human body, hold great promise. But opponents argue that using such cells destroys human life because they are derived from human embryos created during in vitro fertilization.
Siding with opponents, the Bush administration sharply limited federal funding for stem cell research, a restriction that President-elect Barack Obama has said he will lift.
In 2004, with the governor's backing, California voters approved Proposition 71, which provides $3 billion for stem cell research and is helping the state become an international leader in the discipline.
