On page 10 of today's Metro newspaper, I've written an op-ed piece on New York's biotech sector: "Can we really become a biotech powerhouse?" About two weeks ago, the city announced plans to create a sprawling, $700 million biotech center, accompanied by much fanfare about New York's innovative vision for the future. However, can New York really become a leading biotech hub without a major commitment to stem cell research?

"The announcement on August 10th that New York City would create a biotech cluster known as the East River Science Park was surely good news for those hoping that New York can further diversify its economy by tapping into the nearly limitless growth potential of the biotech sector. After all, New York already boasts a number of top-ranked hospitals, medical schools and research institutions that provide the fundamental basis for developing a world-class biotech sector. In addition, the city boasts a deep pipeline of medical and biotech talent that includes a number of Nobel Prize winners. However, there’s still one missing ingredient if New York ever hopes to realize its potential of becoming a major world-class biotech hub: a major stem cell research initiative, similar to the one passed by California last November."

(photo credit: New York Times)