The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has announced that Robert Klein, chairman of the governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), has been awarded the 2010 Biotech Humanitarian Award. Since its creation, Klein has lead CIRM’s efforts to fund stem cell research in the state.
"BIO is honored to present Bob Klein with the 2010 Biotech Humanitarian Award,” Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO, said in a press release. “His vision and determination to create alternatives to federal funding for stem cell research helped make the state of California a global leader in disease research, giving hope and inspiration to millions of patients and families around the world."
In 2004, Proposition 71—the “California Stem Cell Research and Cures” ballot initiative—was up for vote, and Klein led a committee that supported the legislation. The proposition promised funding for embryonic stem cell research in California and aimed to counter an executive order issued by former President George W. Bush restricting federally funded embryonic stem cell research.
Proposition 71 passed, CIRM was established, and Klein has since served as chairman of its governing board. To date, the organization has awarded more than $1 billion to research institutions throughout California. An additional $1.2 billion in matching funds has also been provided by private donors, institutions, and other governments to support the stem cell research in the state.
"From the earliest days of drafting Prop 71 through the first five years of CIRM's existence, Bob Klein and CIRM have been committed to stimulating and encouraging collaboration between scientists at different institutions, within California and beyond,” said Lawrence Goldstein, Director of UC San Diego’s Stem Cell Program. “This crucial commitment to collaboration has fostered an environment in which scientists have gotten excited about working together on the big projects that can lead to discoveries that will drive development of breakthrough therapies."
According to BIO, the Biotech Humanitarian Award was established in 2009 to recognize everyday heroes within the biotechnology community. Klein was selected by a panel of judges composed of members of the biotechnology community in the areas of research, advocacy, and media. He received the award during a keynote address at the 2010 BIO International Convention on May 5, in Chicago, IL, and will donate his $10,000 prize to the Americans for Cures Foundation.
"Bob Klein's perseverance in creating dedicated funding for stem cell research has enabled so many researchers to pursue works that otherwise would have been frozen out of critical funding,” said Stephen A. Sherwin, Chairman of BIO’s Board of Directors and Chairman of Ceregene, Inc. “This award recognizes the direction and leadership he has provided not only to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, but to the entire biotech community."
