Ellen participated last fall at the James A Baker Institute for Public Policy’s, “Stem Cell Policy in the Obama Age: Texas, U.S., and U.K. Perspectives” conference and the conference report has recently been released. The Baker Institute is affiliated with Rice University. Scientists and advocates from the U.S. and the U.K. gathered in Houston to discuss the latest developments in stem cell research.

Here’s an except from the publication:

Arnold believes that a general lack of understanding in the state house about the hESC sources, research and potential benefits led to multiple attempts to pass restrictive legislation. Arnold also feels that many public research institutions have been reluctant to discuss their research or the economic imparts of criminalizing hESC research, leading legislators to believe that prohibitive bills would not affect Texas.

Ellen’s presentation focused on the legislative activities of the Texas Legislature since 2003 relating to stem cells and stem cell research. Download the full report here. Ellen’s remarks begin on page nine.