The analysis of the regulation and function of embryonic and adult stem cells offers therapeutic potential for tissue regeneration for a broad spectrum of inherited as well as somatically acquired human disorders. Stem cell research is being actively solicited and funded by multiple institutes of the NIH. The University of Michigan Stem Cell Initiative was conceived and first implemented by the Endowment for Basic Sciences in January, 2003. At that time, the EBS approved initial funding to equip and staff a core laboratory whose charge was to begin to acquire human embryonic stem cell lines and to explore the biomedical uses of these cells as an initial institutional foray into a much larger expansion of the whole stem cell enterprise at the University. This effort was followed by the acquisition of one of the first nationally competitive human ES cell Center awards from the NIH, which was followed shortly thereafter by the submission and subsequent approval by the EBS of the Stem Cell Initiative in November, 2003.

The approved Stem Cell Initiative was intended to address, in a comprehensive manner, the expansion of programs designed to enhance the international presence of the University of Michigan in stem cell biology. Funding of individual lines for faculty recruitment, facilities upgrades, pilot project funds, educational enhancement, and administrative costs were approved. Both clinical and basic science Departments in the Medical, Dental and Engineering Schools volunteered to actively participate in this effort, which was underscored and comprehensively consolidated in 2004 through the formation of the University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology, a cooperative effort of the EBS, the Medical School Dean's Office, the Life Science Institute and the President's Office. The Stem Cell Initiative (to date) has funded 14 internal, competitive pilot project grants (which in turn were responsible for the acquisition of 2 independent NIH grants), has purchased 2 new flow cytometers and has contributed to the startup or retention of 2 stem cell biology faculty.