Timely CIRM Posting of Explanations, Rationale for Big Changes in California's Stem Cell/Gene Therapy Program

New priorities, preferences on awards and changes in scoring applications

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California’s $12 billion stem cell and genetic research agency was Johnny-on-the-spot this week with important background material for a major, in-person meeting of its governing board next Thursday in Sacramento.

Why is this important? The agency has occasionally been dilatory in posting the often complex explanations and supporting rationale for the decisions that are to be made by its 35-member board. That can impede the work of board members, who are busy with their own work and lives. That is not to mention the public, researchers, businesses, and others affected by the agency’s funding or those who are interested in how the taxpayers’ cash is being spent.

For public organizations, timely posting of all-important material is a major measure of first-rate management.

For anybody interested in CIRM’s cash, next week’s meeting is especially important. And it is open for public comment. Major changes in priorities, award rounds and application review standards will likely be approved.