Science 2.0 contributor Professor Paul S. Knoepfler of the University of California Davis School of Medicine is being honored at the World Stem Cell Summit with the Stem Cell Action 'National Advocacy Award' from the Genetics Policy Institute.

The World Stem Cell Summit is being held December 4-6, 2013 in San Diego, California, and more than 1,000 researchers and clinicians from around the globe will attend.

Stem cells have been used for over 50 years and their potential for a major impact on clinical medicine remains strong, if stem cell-based therapies can overcome serious and immediate challenges. In a special upcoming supplement to Stem Cells and Development, Knoepfler writes in the article "Key Action Items for the Stem Cell Field Looking to 2014" about building momentum behind stem cells, both for their impact as transformative basic science discoveries and their potential for translation to clinical medicine.

At the same time, he outlines several critical challenges, including "stem cell tourism," the complex balance between innovation and regulatory/FDA compliance, and the need to educate physicians and patients about stem cell therapies.

"Dr. Knoepfler's unique perspective as a scientist and patient advocate provides a fresh perspective to the stem cell universe. As a communicator, Paul is unsurpassed. We are proud to include his views in the Report," says Bernard Siegel, JD, Co-Chair of the 2013 World Stem Cell Summit and Executive Director, Genetics Policy Institute. Siegel is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the World Stem Cell Report.