The National Academy of Sciences has selected Jonathan Moreno, director of the University Center for Biomedical Ethics, to co-chair the new Committee on Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
Eleven other experts, including Richard Hynes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will serve on the committee, which includes previous professional acquaintances of Moreno.
The Committee will be responsible for developing guidelines for research on stem cells. Though the recommendations of the committee are not legally binding, the National Academy of Sciences is well respected throughout the medical community, and its guidance is generally followed.
"I hope that the University community sees it as a virtue that our faculty is called on to deal with these issues," Moreno said.
The National Academy of Sciences has taken the politically controversial position that stem cell research is an important scientific pursuit, so the committee will deal with recommendations for how stem cell research should proceed.
President George W. Bush has previously enacted restrictions limiting stem cell research to already existing sourcesdue to concerns about using embryos as the source of cells.
While trying to avoid the political debate on stem cell research, working with such a sensitive issue "is going to be difficult," Moreno said.
Some predict that stem cell research will help in the development of treatments for cancer, Parkinson's disease and any other tissue-based disease.
Outside of the University, Moreno is the president of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, as well as a frequently cited authority in numerous media outlets. Last fall, Moreno testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs regarding technology and ethics.
The National Academy of Sciences is a private organization, but is required to advise the United States on scientific issues, in accordance with its 1863 charter.
"This appointment is a great honor for Dr. Moreno, and the University itself," Clinical Assistant Prof. Kevin Dye said.
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