SUBJECT:	Appointment of Holmes to Governing Body To Oversee
	Stem Cell Research Institute

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Edward W. Holmes, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine at University of California, San Diego, as UCSD’s representative to the Independent Citizens Oversight Commission (ICOC). The ICOC is the governing body that will oversee the stem cell research institute that was approved based on the passage of Proposition 71 in the November 2 election.

Each of the chancellors of the five UC campuses with a medical center were entitled to appoint an executive officer of his or her campus to the 29-member ICOC.

With the passage of Proposition 71, California voters expressed their support for progress and innovation in an area of research that holds great promise for the treatment of human disease. As this historic initiative is implemented, California will become a global leader in stem cell research. The San Diego region, already is an internationally recognized hub for biomedical research and biotechnology, and, along with UCSD, will have a major role in future stem cell research activities.

Ed Holmes has been a leader in establishing collaborative, multidisciplinary research and development efforts leading to improved treatments for human patients. He has expressed his commitment to assuring that the initiative supports the highest quality of research, conducted in the best interest of the public, to advance new therapies for patients.

I know he will be a strong representative for our campus, the public, the research community, and the region in this important endeavor.

Marye Anne Fox Chancellor