Distinguished Signatories/Open Letter

“I would be honored to be included on your letter. Good luck with this work. It’s much needed.”

Paul Michael Glaser

Actor & Director
Honorary Chairman, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Chairman, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (1994-2002)

“Thank you for your kind words about me and for organizing this stem cell effort. I apologize for the delay of my response but I am happy and honored to sign the Open Letter.
With best wishes, ”

Lewis P. Rowland, M.D.

Columbia University Medical Center (Neurological Institute)
President, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
Founder of the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center (Former Co-Director)
Muscular Dystrophy Association Directors’ Award 2009
The Forbes Norris Award for Outstanding Research (ALS) 2001

“YES you can use me as a signatory on your dickey amendment action letter. thanks for taking this on”

Randall T. Moon, Ph.D.

University of Washington School of Medicine
Director and William and Marilyn Conner Professor of the Institute for
Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pharmacology

“Per your letter you have my authorization to add my signature to the open letter to the President and Congress regarding the Wicker Dickey amendment on stem-cell research.

Thank you.”

Kenneth Cole

Chairman of the Board
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research
amfAR Award of Courage 2000

“I am happy to sign. Please use this e-mail as confirmation”

Mahendra S. Rao, M.D., Ph.D.

Vice President of Stem Cell Research at Life Technologies Corporation
International Society for Stem Cell Research Task Force on Clinical Translation of Stem Cells
NIH Stem Cell Committee (1999)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Stem Cell Advisory Committee (2000)
Stem Cell Section Chief, NIH-National Institute on Aging (2001-2005)

“Congratulations on the tremendous job you are undertaking for very important legislation. I wish you much success. I am pleased to add my name to the very distinguished list who are suportting this effort”

Arnall Patz, M.D.

John Hopkins University & Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Albert Lasker Medical Research Award (Presented by Helen Keller)
The Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research 1994
Presidential Medal of Freedom Award (Presented by George W. Bush) 2004
Laureate Recognition Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2005

“Great talking with you the other day. Please include me on the letter.”

Jeff McCaffrey

Founder, UMKC Chapter of Student Society for Stem Cell Research
National Student Advocacy Award 2007
Spirit of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Award 2004

“In the fall of 2002, I was a college freshman, playing football at the U.S. Air Force Academy. A cadet, my aspirations were to graduate and serve as a commissioned officer. I had every intention of leading a life of leadership and responsibility. Just before Thanksgiving that year, while on a weekend trip to the mountains with some buddies, I suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. I have been paralyzed ever since.”

“Marc – I am pleased to be included. Thanks for your leadership in this effort.”

Allan I. Levey, M.D., Ph.D.

Emory University
Director, Emory Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Professor and Chair of Neurology
Best Doctors in America 2005-present
Team Hope Award-Medical Leadership by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America 2005

“I would be happy to be included as a signer. Is there anything else I need do?”

John Kessler, M.D.

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Davee Professor of Stem Cell Biology
Chairman, Department of Neurology
Director, Northwestern University Stem Cell Institute
PBS, ‘Independent Lens’: Mapping Stem Cell Research-Terra Incognita (2008 Peabody Award)

“I would be delighted to sign this important letter. I strongly agree with its content.”

Timothy J. Kamp, M.D., Ph.D.

University of Wisconsin Medical School
Professor of Medicine and Physiology
Co-Director Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center

“I received your phone call and read your e mail statement and I would be glad to sign the letter requesting repeal of the Dickey amendment. Do you need anything further from me other than this message. Thank you for your effort – it should advance the development of stem cells for the treatment of various serious human diseases.”

Charles Yanofsky, Ph.D.

Stanford University
Department of Biological Sciences
Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University 1976
The National Medal of Science (Bestowed by George W. Bush in Biological Sciences) 2003

“Yes, you can include my name in the letter. I would like to see the end copies. Thanks for your effort and support to stem cell research.”

Ren-He Xu, M.D., Ph.D.

University of Connecticut Health Center
Director, University of Connecticut Stem Cell Core
Outstanding Science Achievement Award from the NCI-Frederick, NIH

“I will sign it and hope that you succeed.”

Robert W. Wilson, Ph.D.

Harvard University
Nobel Laureate in Physics 1978
Henry Draper Medal 1977 by the National Academy of Sciences

“You should have received a positive response from me some time ago before I traveled abroad and did not have access to my e-mail. In any case you are free to add my name to the list of supporters. We are all grateful for your initiative.”

Torsten N. Wiesel, M.D.

Rockefeller University
Rockefeller University President Emeritus
President, Rockefeller University (1992-1998)
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1981
National Medal of Science (Bestowed by George W. Bush in Biological Sciences) 2005
Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research 1996

“I am pleased to sign. You can list me as Founder and President of the J. Craig Venter Institute and 2008 National Medal of Science Recipient.”

J. Craig Venter, Ph.D.

Founder and President of the J. Craig Venter Institute
National Medal of Science Award (Bestowed by Barack H. Obama in Biological Sciences) 2009
Time Magazine’s 2007 and 2008 List of the Most Influential People in the World
The 10 Most Influential People in Science by Discover Magazine 2008

“I agree to sign the open letter regarding the Dickey Amendment .”

Robert Tjian, Ph.D.

University of California, Berkeley
President, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
California Scientist of the Year 1994
Alfred P. Sloan Prize for Cancer Research 1999
Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University 1999

“I am pleased to give my consent to the addition of my name to the letter that arrived on Jan. 11.”

E. Donnall Thomas, M.D.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1990
The National Medal of Science (Bestowed by George H.W. Bush in Biological Sciences) 1990

“Thanks to you for your efforts to rally support for this important medical research. The subject is so distorted by misinformation and confusion of facts. The potential benefits to so many people are very real.

Don and I also offer you our best wishes for your diabetes problems. Our oldest son is a MD but semi-retired now. He works 1 week a month on an Indian reservation in Montana. He says the Type 1 diabetes is very common among his patient population and he is most anxious to see better treatment options.

Best wishes for 2010.” Dottie Thomas

“i assume you got my positive reply and signature on this?
if not will you please let me know?
meanwhile, i wish you the best”

Doris A. Taylor, Ph.D.

University of Minnesota
Medtronic Bakken Chair
Director, Center for Cardiovascular Repair
Finalist for TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2009

“Thanks for your email. I really appreciate your hard work and efforts for such a noble cause.You have my consent and I am honored to be a supporter of this great effort.”

Parminder (Shelley) Chawla, M.D.

Hope Productions, LLC
Author, Hope… In Vitro
Producer & Screenwriter, “HOPE"

“I am happy to sign the attached letter.”

Thomas R. Cech, Ph.D.

University of Colorado at Boulder
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1989
The National Medal of Science (Bestowed by William J. Clinton in Biological Sciences) 1995

“This is to confirm my consent to having my name included as a signer of your open letter to President Obama et al regarding urging repeal of the Dickey Amendment rider language annexed to bill H.R. 3293 under consideration by the Senate.”

Gary S. Stein, Ph.D.

University of Massachusetts Medical School
The Gerald L. Haidak, M.D. and Zelda S. Haidak
Distinguished Professor and Chair of Cell Biology
Director, International Stem Cell Registry
Deputy Director, UMass Memorial Cancer Center
Interim Director, Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

“I am very happy to add my name to the list of those supporting repeal of the Dickey Amendment rider language annexed to bill H.R.3293 under consideration by the Senate. You have my permission to include my name in the letter.”

Hamilton O. Smith, M.D.

J. Craig Venter Institute
Scientific Director of the Synthetic Biology Group
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1978

“Thank you for putting together this effort to advance the cause of ethical science for future medical breakthroughs. I full support your cause.”

Emmanuel E. Baetge, Ph.D.

Novocell, Inc.
SVP & Chief Scientific Officer
Featured in Forbes Cover Story: “Stem Cells Get Real”

“Yes, go ahead and add my name. I am in complete support of this document.

My name is: Louis J. Ignarro, Ph.D. Dr. or Professor is fine.
Thanks for your efforts.”

Louis J. Ignarro, Ph.D.

UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1998
Distinguished Science Award from the American Heart Association 2008

“I would be pleased to have my name appear in your letter, and I have added my name and title to the DA Open Letter attachment above. We just received a patent based on the tumor suppressive effects of the microenvironment of hESCs, and I have had the privilege of giving testimony to Senators Harkin and Specter on stem cell research.”

Mary J.C. Hendrix, Ph.D.

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Medical Research Institute Council Professor
President and Scientific Director, Children’s Memorial Research Center
Board of Directors, National Cancer Institute
Appointee to the National Institutes of Health Council of Councils

“Let me now certify that–yes–I am most willing for you to “add my name” to the list of scientists who are willing formally to participate in your communication to the current Administration. In particular, I specify that you are welcome to include my signature to the letter in question.”

Jeffrey C. Hall, Ph.D.

University of Maine
Professor of Neurogenetics
Gruber Neuroscience Prize 2009

“I agree that repeal of the Dickey amendment is a
priority. You may add my name to the existing signature list. My details
are given at the end.”

Jonathan M.W. Slack, Ph.D., F.Med.Sci.

University of Minnesota
Director, Stem Cell Institute
Waddington Medal (British Society for Developmental Biology) 2002

“By all means include my name for inclusion in your Open Letter!” with best wishes”

David H. Hubel, M.D.

Harvard University
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1981
Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research 1996

“I am pleased and honored to sign this letter in the company of such distinguished scientist.”

Alberto Hayek, M.D.

University of California San Diego-Pediatric Diabetes Research Center
Professor of Pediatrics
Scientific Director, The Scripps Whittier Institute for Diabetes

“By all means, DO ADD my name to the list … ”

Roger Guillemin, M.D.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1977
The National Medal of Science (Bestowed by Gerald R. Ford, Jr. in Biological Sciences) 1976

“Of course I would like to add my name to this important letter.”

Barth A. Green, M.D., FACS

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Professor and Chairman of Neurological Surgery
Chair and Co-Founder (with Nicholas Buoniconti) of Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

“I would be delighted to be included! Let me know if there is anything else I can do.”

Laura Grabel, Ph.D.

Wesleyan University, Grabel Lab
Honored by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame 2008
Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering
Co-Principal Investigator, University of Connecticut-Wesleyan Stem Cell Core

“Happy to sign this!’

John Gearhart, Ph.D.

University of Pennsylvania
James W. Effron University Professor
Director, Institute for Regenerative Medicine

“Thanks for your message. I commend you for your good work and for reaching
out to support a very worthy cause. I am happy to join with you and endorse
the attached statement. I have nothing to gain personally. I am going on 82,
in pretty good health, still very active in research and doing my work
without asking for government grant support.

Please add my name to the list of signatories.

Very best wishes for your health and happiness, and may your good works continue.”

Elias James Corey, Ph.D.

Harvard University
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1990
The National Medal of Science (Bestowed by Ronald W. Reagan in Chemistry) 1988

“I support your effort to eliminate the Dickey Amendment.”

Ralph Steinman, M.D.

Rockefeller University
Henry G. Kunkel Professor and Senior Physician
Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology
Gairdner Foundation International Award 2003
Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research 2007

“Sorry but it appears that we were cut off. Anyway, I agree to have my
name appended to your document …”

Oliver Smithies, D.Phil.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Excellence Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2007

“I am glad to be included on the signature list. My information to be listed is as below”

Renee A. Reijo Pera, Ph.D.

Stanford University School of Medicine
Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Director Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education
Director Reproductive Biology and Stem Cell Program
Noted as one of Twenty Influential Women in the USA (Newsweek, 2006)

“I would be happy to be included and sign”

Matthais Von Herrath, M.D.

La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Director, Center for Type 1 Diabetes Research
Council Member for the International Diabetes Society
Grotzky Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International 2006
Outstanding Scientific (‘Lilly’) Achievement Award by the American Diabetes Association 2008

“i believe bobbie confirmed that i am on-board with this letter and to feel free to use my signature.
however, just in case that got lost in cyberspace, i am confirming again that i endorse (and sign) the letter.
good luck,”

Evan Y. Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.P

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute
Director, Program in Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
Director, Stem Cell Research Center
Scientific Steering Committee, San Diego Consortium for Regenerative Medicine

“Yes, please go ahead and include my signature:”

Marc Lalande, Ph.D.

University of Connecticut Health Center
Chair, Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology
Director, University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute
Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering

“Glad to sign this letter”

Roger D. Kornberg, Ph.D.

Stanford University School of Medicine
Professor, Structural Biology
Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2006

“I am happy to add my name to the list of those signing this letter.”

Arthur Caplan, Ph.D.

University of Pennsylvania
Chair, Department of Medical Ethics
Director, Center for Bioethics
Person of the Year-2001 from USA Today
One of the Fifty Most Influential People in Health Care by Modern Health Care Magazine
The 10 Most Influential People in Science by Discover Magazine 2008

“You may indeed add my name to the signer list of your Open Letter, as below.”

Richard Axel, M.D.

Columbia University Medical Center
Department of Neuroscience
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 2004