Milliken speaks in support of NU stem cell research policy

Other regents news On Friday, the regents approved: Plans for the new Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, which will house the most advanced eye care and research in the region; Funding plans for a land exchange between UNMC and the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD); A partnership with OPPD that will help the medical center cut up to 25 percent of its energy costs within 5 years; and The merger or dissolution of seven UNMC centers that lack funding or share functions with other campus centers.

University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken on Friday recommended that the NU Board of Regents maintain its current embryonic stem cell research policy. The current policy allows university scientists to do ESC research as long as it follows state and federal guidelines.

ESC research holds great promise and NU should be appropriately engaged in such research, Milliken said following a listening session at Friday’s regents meeting regarding the university’s ESC research policy.

During the meetings, regents heard from supporters of the research, who urged the regents to let NU scientists access newly opened stem cell lines, as well as opponents of ESC research, who urged the university to limit the university to using ESC lines approved by former President George W. Bush.

Limiting research further would make it hard for NU scientists to conduct lifesaving research and limit the university’s ability to recruit leading scientists, Milliken said.

UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., echoed Milliken’s sentiments.

“I strongly support President Milliken’s statement today,” Dr. Maurer said.

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

The regents took no formal action on the issue on Friday.