UConn's investment of time and energy in its women's basketball program paid off once again April 6 when the Huskies beat the Louisville Cardinals 76-54. 

Another Connecticut program that's paying off is the State's investment in stem cell research. Within the past three months alone:

• UConn scientists announced they have generated two new stem cell lines.
• Biotech start-up CellDesign, Connecticut's first commercial enterprise devoted entirely to stem cell technology, announced its product line.
• StemCONN 09, the state's second international stem cell research symposium in the past four years, welcomed over 630 registrants to New Haven to hear the latest research findings from a roster of top scientists.
• The State of Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee directed an additional $9.8 million in stem cell research funds, the third installment of the State's pledge to provide $100 million in funding over 10 years.

I had the privilege of moderating a panel at StemCONN 09 devoted to the question of how basic scientific research will get translated into clinical applications. While stem cell therapies for such debilitating illnesses as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis are still some years away, it was clear from the panelists' presentations that progress is being made.

Furthermore, a review conducted by CURE on the eve of StemCONN 09, even before announcement of the third round of state funding, shows how diverse and cutting-edge Connecticut research is (View press release).

The infrastructure Connecticut has built places its scientists in a strong position to seek additional Federal funding for stem cell projects, now that President Obama has lifted restrictions in that area.

So stay tuned! It's not just on the sports pages, but on the science pages, that Connecticut is making news.

Paul R. Pescatello is President and CEO of CURE.