$5M gift gives a boost to new UW stem cell institute

By Eric Engleman

The University of Washington’s efforts to create an institute for human embryonic stem cell research are getting a boost from retired Starbucks CEO Orin Smith.

Smith is donating $5 million to jump-start the UW’s Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. In addition, an anonymous donor is giving $1 million to UW for stem cell research.

The two donations represent a small step for the University of Washington in its bid to create one of the country’s premier stem cell institutes.

Read the full story at Puget Sound Business Journal.