Stem Cell research has received a big boost with the donation of $75 million by Atherton philanthropist and Business Wire founder Lorry Lokey to the Stanford University School of Medicine. The money goes to help build the nation's largest center for stem cell research. It is said that he is the lead contributor of the $200 million project. The construction will continue to the summer of 2010. Lokey says he was driven to make such a large contribution after hearing President Bush in 01 forbid the usage of federal funds to facilitate stem cell research because it involved the destruction of human embryos. 
The 200,000-square-foot Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building will hold some 350 scientists who will be working on using stem cells to provide therapies and cure for many diseases. The center is will also receive a $43.6 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The remainder of the building's cost will be covered by other private contributors and the university.
The addition of the new research building raises hopes for the medical school to attract more top scientists leading to collaborations with others.
The addition of the new research building raises hopes for the medical school to attract more top scientists leading to collaborations with others.
The construction of the research building is a step in the positive direction to making cures from stem cells a reality. It is really astonishing the amount people are willing to give for the cause, I mean $75 million, that's crazy! But I suppose that if it is something that you really feel strongly about and you have the means to do then why not. Personally that the project looks very encouraging and I look forward to see what great strides stem cell research will be able to make with the help of the research center.
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