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Now it's time to go to work. The knowledge that these 64 embryonic stem cell lines exist and will be available for research should inspire our nation's best scientific minds to begin planning for ways they can aggressively take advantage of this historic and unique opportunity. The scientific community must seize the moment.

Let's be clear that there is a great deal of basic research that must be done on these cell lines - and that research can now take place with the assistance of federal funds. But no one should be under the illusion that cures for diseases are just around the corner, for there is much fundamental work to be done.

The NIH wants to expedite this work and is aggressively pursuing several initiatives to facilitate research on all forms of stem cells. The NIH is creating a registry of the embryonic stem cell lines that meet the eligibility criteria so researchers can contact the owners and gain access to them. The registry will contain basic information about the cells, a unique identifier, the name of the company or laboratory that derived the cells, and contact information about that company or lab. The registry will list these 10 laboratories as well as any other owners of stem cell lines meeting the eligibility criteria who come forward in the future. Also, the NIH is welcoming grant applications for federal funds, including use of existing funds, for stem cell research.

Earlier this month, President Bush opened the door to the full spectrum of ethically acceptable stem cell research. Now, it's time for our scientists to walk through that door, into the laboratory, and begin research into the full range of research that is needed to determine the true potential of stem cells to conquer some of the worst diseases that plague humanity. We pledge to the scientific community the unwavering support of the NIH and HHS as well as our best wishes in their research endeavors.

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