Klein Honored for Leadership on Stem Cells

Research America, a national group that promotes medical and health research, has given its Gordon and Llura Gund annual leadership award to Robert Klein, chairman of the $3 billion California stem cell agency.

Klein has headed the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine since its inception and, in 2004, led the ballot campaign to create CIRM, which is headquartered in San Francisco. It was created to fund research into human embryonic stem cells, which former President Bush famously stymied during much of his eight years in office.

Klein's agency is on track to approve $1 billion in grants by the end of this year and is the world's largest source of funding for hESC research.

Klein, a Palo Alto, Ca., real estate investment banker, took no salary for his work until late last year. His personality, style and zeal have left an immutable stamp on CIRM.

He will be honored at a dinner in Washington, D.C., March 16.

Our congratulations to Bob.