Regents to vote on embryonic stem cell research policy today

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will vote today on whether to alter NU’s embryonic stem cell (ESC) research policy.

The current policy allows university scientists to do ESC research as long as it follows state and federal guidelines.

New York Times story View a story in The New York Times about the Nebraska embryonic stem cell research situation. The story features comments from UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and medical center researcher Angie Rizzino, Ph.D.

Earlier this month, four of the eight regents submitted a resolution that would only allow NU scientists to use ESC lines approved by former President George W. Bush.

Five regents would have to vote for the resolution for it to pass. If less than five vote for the resolution, the current policy will remain in place.

In October, both NU President James B. Milliken, J.D., and UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said such a limit would hinder the university’s research mission.

Milliken and Dr. Maurer urged regents to maintain the university’s current policy, which they said allows NU scientists to appropriately engage in ESC research.

Limiting the lines available to UNMC scientists would make it difficult for NU scientists to conduct potentially lifesaving research and hurt the university’s ability to recruit leading scientists, Milliken said.

The current policy, Dr. Maurer said, allows UNMC to continue 21st century research, which could lead to better health care. It also allows for NU to compete for federal grant dollars, which could create quality jobs in Nebraska, he said.