Stem Cell Action Awards

Genetics Policy Institute honors the stem cell community’s top innovators, leaders, and champions at the Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner at the annual World Stem Cell Summit. Since 2005, the awards have recognized dedicated individuals and organizations that have made distinguished contributions to the cause of stem cell research, including stem cell advocates, elected officials, philanthropists and scientists. 

PAST STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

2012 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

Leadership Award: Susan Solomon
Susan Solomon is the co-founder and CEO of The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), which was established in 2005 to accelerate cures through stem cell research. Under her leadership, NYSCF is supporting over 100 leading researchers at top laboratories around the world including NYSCF's own laboratories. She has raised approximately $100 million in the quest for cures and enabled important global research initiatives. 

Media Integrity Award: "60 Minutes"
CBS News’ “60 Minutes” has provided an invaluable contribution to public awareness exposing risks and rip-offs foisted upon vulnerable patients and their families. The two-part “21st Century Snake Oil” investigation of offshore clinics making outrageous claims and luring desperate patients to undertake dubious, possibly dangerous, unproven “treatments,” has educated the public and launched investigations by both the FDA and FBI.

National Advocacy Award: Alliance for Regenerative Medicine
With more than 120 members, the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is a Washington, DC-based multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that develops and advocates for legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate research and commercialization of regenerative medicine products.

Public Outreach & Education Award: Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures
The grassroots Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures (NCLC) includes business, education, community leaders and citizens who support stem cell research in Nebraska. The NCLC is recognized as one of the best-organized and effective grassroots advocacy groups in the United States.

Inspiration Award: Sabrina Cohen
Sabrina Cohen leads the Sabrina Cohen Foundation (SCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a global network of top scientists and clinicians in the field of Regenerative Medicine. Sabrina endured a severe spinal cord injury in 1992 at the age of 14 in a car accident. With her magnetic personality, she has become a national advocate for stem cell research and a mentor to many affected by paralysis. Recently named a SELF magazine 2012 “Women Doing Good” Honoree, Sabrina has been featured in many media outlets, including CNN Headline News, Good Morning America, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and most recently NBC’s Today show.
 

2011 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

Leadership Award: Sherry Lansing
Sherry Lansing is the former chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, current chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of California and CEO of The Sherry Lansing Foundation. She also serves on the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and has made an immeasurable contribution to its success.

National Advocacy Award: Research!America
Research!America is the largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance committed to making research focused on improving health a higher national priority. This organization motivates public support and funding for stem cell research.

Education Award: Let’s Talk Science
Let’s Talk Science is a Canadian national, charitable organization delivering science learning programs and services that turn children and youth on to science. This organization has taken a multi-pronged approach to help students and educators gain insight on topics surrounding stem cells, including a high school symposium called “StemCell Talks!,” hands-on classroom workshops, teacher resources that include a national biotechnology learning continuum, and CurioCity, an online program for teens.

Public Advocacy Award: University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute
When the Minnesota legislature passed a bill criminalizing certain types of stem cell research, scientists at the nation’s first established stem cell institute at the University of Minnesota effectively led a successful advocacy effort to defend this valuable research which led to a veto, and the continuation of stem cell research in Minnesota.

Inspiration Award: Grant Albrecht
Since having developed a spinal myelopathy in 1996, Grant Albrecht has become a determined patient advocate. He has pursued countless avenues of treatment from the traditional to the alternative, and inspires others to chart their own course to rehabilitation and recovery. A highly sought after speech writer and strategic communications coach, Grant worked with Americans for Cures advancing the Prop 71 initiative, and presently serves on the Genetics Policy Institute’s strategic advisory board. He has spoken to many educational and community groups in his impassioned effort to promote a greater understanding of stem cell science, and to help mobilize the Pro-Cures community.

2010 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

National Leadership Award: Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor Granholm is a long-time champion of stem cell research targeting lifesaving treatments to alleviate human suffering. Since taking office, she has effectively promoted Michigan’s biotech industry, which is now one of the fastest growing biotech sectors in the nation. The Governor has specifically targeted the burgeoning field of stem cell commercialization and regenerative medicine as a job creation and growth area for the state.

National Advocacy Award: A. Alfred Taubman
A. Alfred Taubman’s visionary leadership has resulted in the establishment of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute at the University of Michigan, which is doing innovative stem cell research focusing on developing treatments for ALS, cancer and a host of other medical conditions. His support for Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures and Cure Michigan made the critical difference in ending the restrictive legislation governing stem cell research in the state.

Education Award: Canadian Stem Cell Network
The Network’s extraordinary commitment to public education has made it a model for other stakeholder groups. Some of the projects include the promotion of “Stem Cell Talks” public presentations; the production of a suite of summaries on stem cells, disease and ethics; and scientific support of the web site www.stemcellschool.org.

Grassroots Advocacy Award: Stephen Byer, Barbara Byer and ALS WORLDWIDE
Ben Byer’s ALS diagnosis in 2002 propelled his parents, Stephen and Barbara Byer, to learn about stem cell protocols and other potential treatments for him and many others. After Ben’s death in 2008, they formalized their efforts by launching ALS WORLDWIDE, a not-for-profit organization committed to scientific research interpretation, patient advocacy and care. Their work toward distinguishing legitimate clinical trials from invalid treatments has had far-reaching influence. Thousands of patient families have benefited from the support ALS WORLDWIDE provides.

Inspiration Award: Laura Jackson
Paralyzed in a cheerleading accident seven years ago, Laura Jackson has become a tireless and effective advocate for stem cell research. This articulate young woman has spoken at dozens of events under the auspices of Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures. She is also nationally recognized as a spokesperson on the issue of cheerleading safety.

2009 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

National Leadership Award: Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley
Since taking office, Governor O’Malley has spearheaded a number of strategic investments in Maryland’s bioscience industry. In addition to creating the Life Science Advisory Board, he has been instrumental in securing funding for bio initiatives, including $59 million over three years for Maryland’s Stem Cell Research Fund, thereby continuing Maryland’s innovative leadership in the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine. He serves as a national example of effective governmental leadership in the field of regenerative medicine.

International Advocacy Award: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF)
JDRF is the global leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes. It sets the agenda for type 1 diabetes research and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide. JDRF has played a historic role in advocating for new federal funding guidelines for stem cell research and directly funds diabetes research into the use of adult, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells in the pursuit of a cure for diabetes.

Education Award: Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures (MCSCRC)
MCSCRC is dedicated to educating the citizens of the State of Michigan, including public officials and policy makers, about the complex science, biomedical potential and current policies affecting stem cell research in Michigan. In 3 years, the organization engaged in over 300 presentations, 10 radio programs and 11 cable and television shows for a statewide educational program that reached over 2 million citizens throughout the state.

Grassroots Advocacy Award: Cure Michigan
In 2008, 2.5 million citizens of Michigan voted to protect embryonic stem cell research in the state constitution. Cure Michigan organized this successful ballot initiative campaign and remains Michigan's leader promoting the advancement of state and national embryonic stem cell research and policy.

Inspiration Award: Margaret Conn Himelfarb
Margaret, whose son has type 1 diabetes, has worked tirelessly and effectively to promote stem cell research. She founded the coalition Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research and led the statewide grassroots campaign for stem cell research funding. She serves on the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission, the Johns Hopkins Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee, and JDRF’s International Board of Chancellors. A legendary advocate for JDRF, Margaret spearheaded the successful national campaign for a Diabetes Awareness postage stamp.

Inspiration Award: John L. Kellermann, III
John has courageously battled Parkinson’s disease with his characteristic resilience and courage. He made an important leadership contribution to the grassroots organization Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research. An exemplary and inspiring voice for patients and their families, John testified both in Annapolis and Washington in favor of stem cell research. He serves is a member of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission.

2008 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

National Leadership Award: Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle
Governor Doyle is a stalwart and courageous supporter of stem cell research and a proponent of Wisconsin’s strategic goal to invest $750 million in biotechnology and stem cell research. Outspoken and eloquent, Governor Doyle is a leading spokesperson for the advancement of potentially lifesaving discovery.

National Advocacy Award: Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Carrying on the legacies of its founders, Christopher and Dana Reeve, the Foundation continues to be a significant leader in the world effort in support for stem cell research. Through its effective education, outreach, advocacy and funding support, the Foundation brings us closer to finding a cure to paralysis through the study of stem cells.

Education Award: National Association of Biology Teachers
For the last 70 years, this non-profit association has served over 9,000 teachers, upholding scientific integrity and fighting for the right to teach accurate and current science without penalty from political or religious influence on content.

Inspiration Award: Brooke Ellison
Brooke’s heroic struggle and message of hope after a devastating injury left her paralyzed has inspired millions, as chronicled through her book, a movie and in an upcoming documentary to be premiered in September. She has founded The Brooke Ellison Project  dedicated to the advancement of stem cell research.

Grassroots Advocacy: Ben Kaplan
Ben came onto the stem cell scene in a compelling promotional piece in support for California’s Prop 71. Ben was born with cerebral palsy, a fate not shared by his twin brother. He is a grassroots leader of the first rank and his ongoing creation “Bens Stem Cell News”  is where many advocates obtain the very latest online progress report from the front lines of science, regulation and politics.

2007 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

Michael J. Fox
Parkinson' Action Network
Dr. Ralph Dittman
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures

2006 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

Bob Klein
Hadassah
Don Reed
Student Society for Stem Cell Research
Luca Coscioni Association

2005 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

Danny Heumann
Coalition for Advancement of Medical Research
Texans for Advancement of Medical Research