What’s roiling our economy is the growing fear that the experts don’t have a clear sense of what ails us, much less what to do about it. As the columnist Peggy Noonan characterized it, all the various efforts to calm the markets and jump start the economy reminds her of one way to tell if the pasta is done: you keep throwing strands of it at the wall until one sticks.

But as to science policy itself, the Obama administration is clear, decisive and effective. In lifting the Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, President Obama reinforces our strengths – basic and translational research – and builds a solid foundation for a new wave of American scientific innovation. Understanding the essential mechanisms of disease through stem cell research and discovering how stem cells can be used to coax the body into repairing itself will create wholly new industries much as the federally-funded basic research of the 1940’s and 1950’s led to the transistor, the computer, and the information technology industry. A recommitment to scientific research and development is the cure for what ails us.

Where does this leave Connecticut? Well positioned. Removal of the Bush stem cell research restrictions makes federal research monies available for stem cell research but does not increase the size of the research funds “pie.” The federal agencies that allocate scarce research dollars will steer grants toward stem cell researchers who are able to use funds efficiently and positioned to advance the field measurably and substantively. Connecticut’s stem cell research program and funding has afforded us the ability to build stem cell research facilities and draw world-class research and scientists to our labs. Connecticut’s stem cell policy has worked to put us in the stem cell research meritocracy to which federal funds will be directed. (See article in the New Haven Register.)

As this legislative session progresses, it is heartening to see how aware the Governor, her staff, and legislators are about the value of Connecticut’s stem cell program. How integral this program and its research are to Connecticut’s future seems well understood. Stem cell research is about novel therapies and cures first and foremost, but its positive economic development impact is also great.

We will be showcasing stem cell research developments from around the world, as well as from Connecticut, at the upcoming StemCONN 09 conference (March 23 and 24 in New Haven). The first day will focus on Connecticut research, as well as the translation of basic research into clinical applications. Day two is pure science, with presentations on reprogramming adult stem cells, embryonic growth factors, nervous systems preservation of stem cell potency, multipotent stem cells that express insulin, hypoxia and stem cells, adult muscle stem cells, cancer stem cells, and the omics approach to stem cell biology. Registrations are nearing capacity so, if you haven’t signed up, do so as soon as possible. (Visit the site.) StemCONN will be a great celebration of what we have accomplished and a fascinating look at the leading edge of stem cell research today.

Paul R. Pescatello is President and CEO of CURE.