Just a day after the publication of my article wondering whether the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) could capture a big fish as its leader, CIRM announced that it had hooked a big fish.
News reports (links below) hailed the appointment as a coup. Alan Trounson founded the Australian Stem Cell Centre and helped produce the world’s third test-tube baby. He’s also started companies, including the Singapore-based ES Cell International.
One strength that has not been highlighted is Trounson’s potential to link US scientists with those in the Asia-Pacific region. He has been very active in efforts to found an Asian-Pacific Stem Cell Network, and quite vocal about the advantages that that region has for stem cell research. When meeting with leading stem-cell scientists from around the region in June, Trounson was emphatic in discussing the need for political champions.
Trounson also has experience working successfully in a highly politicized environment. Though largely unnoticed in the US, Australian politicians and scientists launched a successful campaign to make somatic cell nuclear transfer legal.
In short, Trounson has shown scientific and political acumen in the land down under. I hope he thrives in the Golden State.
Here is some coverage from other news outlets and blogs.